The Vatican has announced the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88.
Serving as head of the Catholic Church since 2013, he was known for his deep compassion, humility, and progressive voice on global issues.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell delivered the official statement from the Vatican early Monday morning, saying:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
“At 7.35 am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father…
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina in 1936, was the first South American and Jesuit pope.
Known as the ‘People’s Pope,’ he championed the rights of the poor, refugees, and the marginalized.
In 2016, he famously washed the feet of asylum seekers from different religions, symbolizing humility and service.
He spoke out on major global issues like climate change and inequality, and took a notably inclusive tone toward the LGBTQ community, famously saying: “Who am I to judge?” about gay clergy.
However, his final years brought controversy, as he reaffirmed traditional Church positions on gender and euthanasia and faced backlash over reports of a homophobic slur, which complicated his progressive reputation.
The pontiff had been battling health issues for several years.
In February, he was hospitalized for bronchitis and later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.
His condition worsened in the following weeks, leading to what the Vatican described as a ‘prolonged respiratory crisis,’ per Sky News. He was also treated for kidney issues and anaemia.
Despite serious health challenges, Francis made several public appearances in early 2025, including an emotional greeting at Easter Sunday Mass.
Following a 38-day hospital stay that ended in late March, he returned to the Vatican and was placed under 24-hour medical care.
Doctors noted that while his pneumonia had cleared, he continued to receive treatment for a lung fungal infection and required oxygen support and physiotherapy.
Crowds of worshippers gathered in St Peter’s Square over the weekend, lighting candles and offering prayers for the Pope, reflecting his powerful connection with the global Catholic community.
Health struggles had increasingly limited his public role.
His declining health forced him to skip major religious events, such as the 2024 Good Friday procession in Rome.
In 2022, he hinted he might follow Benedict XVI’s path and resign should his condition worsen.
Benedict, his predecessor, resigned in 2013 due to health reasons, becoming the first pope to step down in over 600 years. He died in 2022.
As the world reacts to the loss, more than 1.4 billion Catholics are left mourning the leader who redefined the papacy for the modern era.
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