VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America and a transformative yet polarizing figure in the Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican announced Monday in a televised statement. His death marks the end of a papacy defined by bold reforms, internal tensions, and global admiration.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell, addressing viewers on the Vatican’s official broadcast. “At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
The Pope had recently shown signs of recovery after a 38-day hospital stay for double pneumonia, which concluded on March 23. On Easter Sunday, he made his first extended public appearance since his release, riding through St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile to greet an enthusiastic crowd and deliver his first special blessing since Christmas.
Global leaders responded swiftly to the news, lauding Francis for his humility, compassion, and efforts to modernize the Church.
“He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
Jose Ramos-Horta, President of East Timor—a country Pope Francis visited during his longest overseas trip in September 2024—offered praise as well: “He leaves behind a profound legacy of humanity, of justice, of human fraternity.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Francis was elected to the papacy on March 13, 2013. Seen by many as an outsider, the Argentine cardinal was known for his deep concern for the poor and his emphasis on humility. In a break from tradition, he declined to live in the lavish papal apartments, instead choosing a modest residence in a communal setting, which he said helped his “psychological health.”
Francis assumed leadership at a time when the Church was reeling from the global clerical sex abuse crisis and internal strife within the Vatican hierarchy. Tasked with restoring credibility and order, he embarked on a mission to reform long-entrenched systems—an endeavor that earned both admiration and criticism.
While conservatives chastised him for challenging time-honored traditions, progressives expressed frustration that his reforms did not go far enough. Nonetheless, Francis remained a global voice for peace, justice, and interfaith understanding, frequently advocating for the marginalized, including migrants and refugees.
During most of his pontificate, an unprecedented situation unfolded within the Vatican: two men in white resided within its walls. His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, who shocked the world by resigning in 2013, remained in residence until his death in December 2022.
Pope Francis reshaped the future of the papacy through his appointments, naming nearly 80% of the cardinals eligible to elect the next pope. This significant influence raises the likelihood that his successor may carry forward his progressive vision, despite the resistance from more traditional factions within the Church.
