‎Pope Francis dies aged 88: Vatican confirms passing of historic pontiff

The Vatican has announced the death of Pope Francis, aged 88, following complications from a respiratory infection that developed into double pneumonia. The Pontiff passed away in hospital after weeks of treatment and a gradual health decline that had raised concerns worldwide.

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‎Pope Francis delivers his blessing as he recites the Angelus noon prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St.Peter's Square, at the Vatican, on Jan. 19, 2025.

‎Andrew Medichini/AP

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‎The Holy Father, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, made history in 2013 when he became the first Latin American pope and the first non-European to lead the Roman Catholic Church in over 1,300 years. He succeeded Pope Benedict XVI, whose resignation set the stage for a transformative and often controversial papacy.

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‎Final Days and Farewell

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‎Despite his fragile health, Francis made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday, greeting thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square. His joyful ride in the popemobile and brief 'Urbi et Orbi' benediction were his final public acts, bringing comfort to the faithful and signaling resilience in his last hours.

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‎Francis was admitted to hospital shortly after Easter, and his condition deteriorated rapidly. The Vatican confirmed his passing earlier today, triggering the traditional mourning period before the Conclave is convened. His body will lie in state in St. Peter's Basilica, where mourners from around the world will pay their respects.

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‎In a break from custom, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district, reflecting his lifelong devotion to Mary and his connection to the people of Rome.

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‎A Papacy Marked by Compassion and Challenge

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‎Francis’s tenure was characterized by efforts to soften the Church’s tone on moral issues, though not necessarily its doctrines. He emphasized mercy, inclusion, and the Church’s responsibility to care for the environment and marginalized communities. His acceptance of blessings for same-sex couples under specific conditions, openness to transgender baptisms, and concern for divorced Catholics marked significant pastoral shifts.

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‎However, he remained staunchly opposed to abortion, denouncing it as a “crisis of the moral sense.”

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‎Francis's papacy was also defined by his global outreach. In 2024, just months before his final hospitalization, he undertook a grueling 12-day tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania. Massive crowds welcomed him in Timor-Leste and Singapore, where he made bold statements on global politics, including sharp criticisms of U.S. figures like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

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‎A Pope of the People

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‎Francis’s humility and accessibility won him admirers and critics alike. Nicknamed the "Slum Bishop" in Buenos Aires for his outreach to the poor, he famously opted for modest living quarters in the Vatican and often used a small car instead of a limo.

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‎He famously worked as a nightclub bouncer before joining the Society of Jesus, eventually rising to cardinal before his surprise election as pope. His past included a controversial period during Argentina’s dictatorship, but supporters pointed to his quiet resistance and compassion during those turbulent times.

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‎His papacy was also shaped by transparency on abuse scandals within the Church. He held emotional meetings with survivors, pushed reforms, and repeatedly acknowledged institutional failings.

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‎Health Struggles in Later Years

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‎Francis battled numerous health issues, including partial lung removal in his youth, sciatica, colon surgery, and recurrent respiratory problems. He experienced multiple hospitalizations from 2021 onward and had recently suffered two falls—one resulting in a bruised chin and the other a sprained arm. His visible reliance on a wheelchair in his final months underscored his declining strength.

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‎Despite his ailments, Francis remained active, maintaining a full calendar well into 2024. His final public criticisms—targeted at mass deportations and U.S. immigration policy—demonstrated his unwavering advocacy for the dignity of all people.

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‎What Comes Next

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‎The Vatican confirmed that the Conclave to select the next pope will not begin for at least 15 days, allowing for mourning and international condolences. The eyes of the Catholic world now turn once more to the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals will gather under Michelangelo’s frescoes to elect a new spiritual leader.

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‎Francis’s death marks the end of a turbulent but deeply impactful era for the Church. His legacy will be debated for decades: a pope who challenged tradition, embraced modernity in measured ways, and remained rooted in the Gospel’s call for justice and compassion.

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‎Viva il Papa — Long Live the Pope.