Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and Bishop of Rome, died at the age of 88 on Monday morning, the Vatican announced. Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed the news in a solemn statement, declaring, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.”
“At 7:35 a.m. this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. 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.”
From Buenos Aires to the Vatican
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 in Argentina, Francis became the first pope from South America and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy. He assumed the role in 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, a rare occurrence in the Church’s history.
Throughout his tenure, Pope Francis championed the cause of the poor and displaced, often referring to the Church as a “field hospital” for the suffering. In 2016, he washed the feet of Muslim, Hindu, and Christian refugees in a powerful gesture of humility and inclusion.
A Pontiff Who Broke Barriers
Francis’ papacy stood out for its compassion, bold reforms, and willingness to challenge traditional norms. He sparked international headlines in 2013 when, responding to a question about gay clergy, he remarked, “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge them?”
He voiced strong positions on climate change, social justice, and wealth inequality. Despite these progressive stances, his papacy was not without controversy. In April 2024, he reaffirmed the Vatican’s opposition to gender reassignment, surrogacy, abortion, and euthanasia by endorsing the document Dignitas Infinita. That same year, reports of a homophobic slur reportedly used in private drew criticism from both within and outside the Church.
Declining Health and Final Days
Francis’ health had declined significantly in recent years. In his youth, he had a part of one lung removed, and by the end of his life, he relied on a wheelchair or cane. In early 2025, he was hospitalized for bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia. He required blood transfusions and treatment for kidney and respiratory complications.
Despite his illness, he continued to connect with the faithful. On March 6, he addressed the world in a brief audio message from his hospital bed: “I am with you from here.” Just weeks later, he made a surprise appearance from a hospital balcony, smiling and giving a thumbs up to the crowd.
His final public appearance took place during the Easter Sunday service, the day after meeting U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
Church Begins Process to Elect New Pope
The Vatican will now begin preparations for the conclave, the traditional process of electing a new pope, which usually occurs 15 to 20 days after a pontiff’s death.
The world’s estimated 1.4 billion Catholics now grieve the passing of a leader who, for more than a decade, shaped the Church with a human touch, humility, and courage.
“In immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus,” Cardinal Farrell concluded, “we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”