Vatican City – Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and a transformative voice in global religious and humanitarian discourse, died on Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican announced.
The news was shared in a solemn statement by Cardinal Kevin Farrell:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. This morning at 7:35 am, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
The announcement was released via the Vatican’s official Telegram channel, sending shockwaves across a global Catholic community still buoyed by the Pope’s unexpected appearance on Easter Sunday.
Just a day before his death, Pope Francis had emerged on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica, smiling and waving to thousands gathered at Saint Peter’s Square. Despite recent health challenges, he delivered the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and the World) blessing, calling for “freedom of thought and tolerance,” and extending Easter wishes to the faithful around the world.
His final appearance was a poignant moment, marking his commitment to the Church even as he battled serious illness.
Earlier this year, Francis was hospitalized twice with pneumonia and came close to death on both occasions. He spent a total of 38 days in care, only being discharged on March 23. His determination to make a public appearance on Easter Sunday, just two weeks later, was seen by many as a final act of pastoral courage.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history in 2013 when he became the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. Throughout his papacy, he was widely celebrated for championing the poor, advocating for climate action, and pushing for reform within the Catholic Church.
His death leaves the Vatican and over a billion Catholics in mourning, even as they reflect on the legacy of a spiritual leader who sought to bring compassion and humility back to the heart of the Church.
Further details on funeral arrangements and the process for electing his successor are expected from the Vatican in the coming days.
