The Vatican has announced the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina in 1936, was the first South American and Jesuit pope.
Serving as head of the Catholic Church since 2013, he was known as the ‘People’s Pope’ and championed the rights of the poor, refugees, and the marginalized.
He famously washed asylum seekers’ feet from different religions in 2016, symbolizing humility and service.
Pope Francis also spoke out on major global issues like climate change and inequality, taking a notably inclusive tone toward the LGBTQ community, famously saying: “Who am I to judge?” about gay clergy.
Yet 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 Pope’s passing was confirmed in an official statement from the Vatican early Monday morning.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell delivered the official announcement with a heavy heart:
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sorrow that I share the news of the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis.
“At 7:35 a.m. this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father…
“He guided us with unwavering faith, embodying the Gospel’s values through courage, compassion, and a boundless love for the most vulnerable and marginalized among us.”
Pope Francis had been struggling with health issues for several years, a decline that increasingly limited his ability to fulfill key religious duties.
Notably, he was unable to attend the 2024 Good Friday procession in Rome.
Back in 2022, he had expressed openness to resigning, following in the footsteps of Pope Benedict XVI, should his health deteriorate further.
Benedict, who resigned in 2013 the first pope to do so in over six centuries passed away in 2022.
In February, Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital with bronchitis, which was soon followed by a diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia.
His health continued to deteriorate in the weeks that followed, resulting in what the Vatican, as reported by Sky News, called a “prolonged respiratory crisis.” In addition to his respiratory illness, he also underwent treatment for kidney complications and anaemia.
Despite facing serious health setbacks, the Pope managed to make a few public appearances in early 2025, including a heartfelt moment during the Easter Sunday Mass that touched many around the world.
After a 38-day hospital stay that concluded in late March, he returned to the Vatican under constant medical supervision.
Although the pneumonia had cleared, doctors confirmed that he was still being treated for a fungal infection in his lungs and continued to require oxygen therapy and physiotherapy.
According to Italian media reports cited by MailOnline, Pope Francis passed away approximately 90 minutes after being awakened by his alarm on the morning of April 21.
Doctors confirmed that the 88-year-old pontiff “passed away peacefully.”
Vatican News later reported the official cause of death as a stroke, which led to a coma and ultimately irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.
Over the weekend, St. Peter’s Square became a sea of candlelight and quiet reflection, as thousands of worshippers gathered to honor the Pope’s memory and offer prayers—an outpouring that spoke volumes about his deep connection to the global Catholic community.
As news of his death reverberates around the world, more than 1.4 billion Catholics are mourning the loss of a leader who profoundly reshaped the papacy for the modern age.
