Pope Francis, First Latin American Pontiff, Dies at 88

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church and a transformative figure for more than a decade, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

The Vatican confirmed that he passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time in his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, following complications from a prolonged respiratory illness.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, delivered the somber announcement, praising Francis for his lifelong dedication to service, compassion for the marginalized, and steadfast commitment to the values of the Gospel.

Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, underwent lung surgery as a young man and battled recurring respiratory issues throughout his life. His health sharply declined after being hospitalized for bronchitis and bilateral pneumonia in February 2025.

Despite a brief improvement that allowed him to return to the Vatican, his condition worsened over the following weeks. Even in his final days, Francis remained engaged with his duties, delivering an Easter blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica and meeting with world leaders, demonstrating his enduring sense of responsibility to the global Church.

Elected in 2013 after the resignation of Benedict XVI, Francis broke new ground as the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere. His papacy was marked by efforts to steer the Church toward greater inclusivity, social justice, and humility.

He championed the cause of migrants, the poor, and the environment, while also confronting internal crises, including the clerical sex abuse scandal and deep divisions within the Vatican. Francis often chose simplicity over tradition, opting to live in a communal residence rather than the Apostolic Palace and streamlining papal ceremonies to reflect his pastoral priorities.

In 2024, Pope Francis revised the liturgical book for papal funerals, requesting that his own rites be simplified and focused on faith in the resurrection rather than worldly power. The Vatican will soon announce details of the funeral, which is expected to reflect these wishes.

As the Church enters a period of mourning and prepares for the selection of a new pope, tributes have poured in from around the world, honoring Francis as a leader who sought to bridge divides and bring the message of hope and mercy to the forefront of Catholic life.