Pope Francis Has Passed Away At 88

Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. His death came just one day after he made a hopeful appearance on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement shared by the Vatican on its Telegram channel:

“This morning at 7.35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.”

Health Issues During His Last Days

In recent weeks, Francis has been struggling with severe health problems. He contracted a chest infection about a month ago, which sadly developed into pneumonia in both lungs. Despite his illness, he appeared briefly at Easter Mass, giving many faithful around the world hope that he was recovering.

A Humble Beginning in Argentina

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Francis made history when he was elected pope in 2013. He was the first pope from the Americas and also the first from the Southern Hemisphere. His humble background as a Jesuit priest and his reputation for simplicity helped him connect with people around the globe.

After Pope Benedict XVI stepped down—the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years—the College of Cardinals elected Bergoglio as his successor.

He decided on the name Francis in remembrance of Saint Francis of Assisi, who was renowned for his commitment to peace and charity to the underprivileged.

A Papacy Distinguished by Reform and Compassion

Francis advocated for a more tolerant and inclusive church while serving as pope. He frequently advocated for causes such as poverty, climate change, and the value of helping people who are marginalized in society. He deviated from precedent in many ways, encouraging the Church to be more tolerant and empathetic and adopting a more intimate, hands-on approach to papal duties.

A Final Farewell

Pope Francis will be remembered for his warmth, humility, and bravery in questioning the existing quo in addition to his historic role in the Church. An era has come to an end with his passing, but millions of people will always remember him.