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Pope Francis Has Died
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 statement: “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…
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized.”
Pope Francis had been battling health issues for several years.
His decline forced him to skip major religious events, such as the 2024 Good Friday procession in Rome.
In 2022, the pontiff 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.
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, Pope 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.
Italian media reports, via MailOnline, that Pope Francis died some 90 minutes after being awoken by his alarm clock on April 21.
According to his doctors, the 88-year-old ‘passed away peacefully.’
Vatican News reports that the cause of Pope Francis’ death has been identified as a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.
Crowds of worshippers gathered in St. Peter’s Square over the weekend, lighting candles and offering prayers for Pope Francis, reflecting his powerful connection with the global Catholic community.
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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