Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, died Monday at age 88, according to the Vatican. Cardinal Kevin Ferrell announced his passing from the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis resided. The pontiff had recently battled double pneumonia following a February hospitalization.
Despite his frailty, Francis appeared publicly on Easter, blessing crowds in St. Peter’s Square. His papacy, which began in 2013, was marked by a humble, reformist tone, embracing the poor, refugees, and marginalized communities. He also drew controversy for challenging capitalism, advocating climate action, and confronting Church scandals.
Francis led during turbulent times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, urging global solidarity and compassion. His legacy is one of simplicity, spiritual urgency, and a push to modernize a centuries-old institution.
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