The head of the Roman Catholic Church passed away aged 88 on Monday after a brief battle with double pneumonia.
The Vatican announced on X that the pope’s death at 7:30 a.m. Vatican time, at his residence in Casa Santa Maria, following a long illness that included three strokes. Despite his recent health struggles, the pope made his final appearance on Sunday, delivering his Easter blessing to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was elected Pope in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, becoming the first Latin American pope, the first Jesuit pope, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. His papacy marked significant transformations in the Catholic Church, embracing a simple, socially responsible, and open-minded approach. Throughout his twelve years of papacy, Pope Francis has remained a staunch defender of the rights of the poor and a champion of environmental protection. He has advocated for the values of mercy and forgiveness rather than judgment, and has worked to promote inclusiveness and interfaith dialogue, earning him great respect around the world.
Condolences poured in from political and religious leaders around the world, as well as from millions of Catholics who were moved by the Pope’s words and actions. Italian authorities declared a period of national mourning, and Serie A matches were postponed in honor of the Pope’s death.
Immediately after the announcement, a period of mourning began within the Church, while preparations were being made for his funeral and the conclave of the next pope. Pope Francis left behind a legacy of humility and courage, a firm belief in the justice of loyalty, and a determination for the Church to be a “field hospital” for the world’s wounds.
