Pope Francis Dies at 88 After More Than a Decade Leading the Catholic Church

Pope Francis, leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the first pontiff from Latin America, died Monday morning in Vatican City at the age of 88. The Holy See confirmed he passed at 7:35 a.m. local time at Casa Santa Marta, where he had resided throughout his papacy.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo tasked with overseeing Vatican affairs between papacies, announced: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He became the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years.

Advertisement

LIVE COVERAGE: Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome, returned to ‘home of the Father’

His papacy emphasized humility, charity, and accessibility. He was often seen mingling with the public, washing the feet of prisoners, and calling attention to the needs of the poor and the sick. Francis was also vocal on issues like care for the environment and the global refugee crisis.

Despite frequent health issues in his final years, Francis remained active in his role. Just one day before his death, he delivered his Easter Sunday blessing from a wheelchair in St. Peter’s Square.

In a break from tradition, Pope Francis requested to be buried not under St. Peter’s Basilica but at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a Roman church he frequently visited and held dear.

Advertisement

The Vatican will now begin the mourning period ahead of the conclave to elect a new pope. According to Church rules, the conclave is expected to begin between May 6 and May 11.

Leaders from around the world offered tributes. King Charles III praised his compassion and steady leadership. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who visited Francis in recent days, described him as a “man of deep faith and quiet strength.”

Laura Ingraham tweeted shortly after the news broke: “Requiescat in pace, Pope Francis. May we all seek to be instruments of Christ’s truth and love in this chaotic world.”

Advertisement

Pope Francis led the Church through an era of great change, earning respect for his personal warmth, global outlook, and unwavering focus on the Gospel.