Pope Francis, the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away, the Vatican announced on Monday through a video statement, bringing to a close a papacy often characterized by internal strife and efforts at institutional reform.
He was 88 years old and had recently recovered from a severe case of double pneumonia.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said on the Vatican’s official television channel.
“At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was chosen as pope on March 13, 2013, in a move that surprised many Vatican observers who had not expected the Argentine cleric—renowned for his advocacy for the poor—to rise to the position.
He brought a spirit of humility to the role, famously refusing to occupy the lavish papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, opting instead for more modest accommodation in a communal setting, which he said benefited his “psychological health.”
Taking over a Church mired in scandal and bureaucratic conflict, he was selected with the aim of restoring order following widespread criticism over clerical child abuse and mismanagement within the Vatican hierarchy.
However, his tenure was marked by growing opposition. Conservatives often accused him of undermining long-standing traditions, while progressives felt he had not gone far enough in reforming the ancient institution.
Despite internal resistance, Francis gained immense popularity worldwide. His international travels drew massive crowds, and he consistently advocated for peace and interreligious dialogue, often championing the cause of the marginalized, including refugees and migrants.
An unusual dynamic played out during much of his papacy, with both Francis and his predecessor, Benedict XVI—who shocked the world by resigning in 2013—living within the Vatican. Benedict, a stalwart of the conservative wing, passed away in December 2022, leaving Francis as the sole pope once again.
By February 2025, nearly 80 percent of the cardinals eligible to vote for the next pope had been appointed by Francis, significantly raising the likelihood that his successor may carry forward his progressive legacy, despite persistent resistance from traditional factions.
