In a solemn announcement early Monday morning, the Vatican confirmed the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. The news came from Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who addressed the world on Vatican television with heavy emotion:
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, The Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of God, One and Triune.”
Newly elected Pope Francis I appears on the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on March 13, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the 266th Pontiff. (Photo by Alessandra Benedetti/Corbis via Getty Images)
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013 following the unprecedented resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
His election was historic on many fronts:
The first Jesuit pope in history
The first pope from Latin America
The first pope from the Southern Hemisphere
And the first non-European pope in over 1,000 years, since Pope Gregory III
Pope Francis’ leadership spanned 12 years, during which he became known for his focus on social justice, outreach to the poor, and his push for a more inclusive, globally conscious church. However, his time as pope was not without controversy—many conservatives, both inside and outside the Catholic Church, have raised concerns over his progressive stances on issues like climate change, immigration, and same-sex relationships.
Yet even amid deep divides in the Catholic world, Pope Francis remained an influential spiritual leader for over a billion Catholics around the globe.
The Holy Father’s health had been declining in recent years, with several hospital stays that worried the faithful. Most recently, Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14, after experiencing severe breathing trouble. Doctors diagnosed him with double pneumonia, a serious and dangerous condition for someone his age.
Despite his fragile state, Francis made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday, offering blessings from St. Peter’s Square, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his pastoral duties until the very end.
He passed away peacefully at his residence at the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.
With the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican now begins the ancient and sacred process of selecting a new pope.
Here’s what to expect in the coming days:
A formal period of mourning will be observed.
Pope Francis’ funeral rites will be held, attracting world leaders, clergy, and mourners from all corners of the globe.
Following tradition, a conclave of eligible cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel to vote on the next pontiff.
When a decision is made, white smoke will rise from the chapel chimney—signaling to the world that a new pope has been chosen.
Pope Francis will be laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome’s historic Esquilino neighborhood, a place of deep religious significance and history.
While he was loved by many for his compassion and humility, Francis was also a deeply polarizing figure, especially among more traditional Catholics and conservative Christians. His willingness to challenge long-standing church traditions—from pushing climate activism to offering blessings to same-sex couples—left many questioning the direction in which he was steering the Church.
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN – OCTOBER 26: Pope Francis leads a meeting of prayer with families at St. Peter’s Square on October 26, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. Speaking in St. Peter’s Square to thousands of families gathered to celebrate a weekend Family Pilgrimage to the Tomb of St. Peter, Pope Francis invited all generations to come together and live the joy of Faith. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
Nevertheless, even his critics acknowledged that he brought global attention back to the papacy, using his platform to speak on major international issues and to advocate for those on society’s margins.
He traveled extensively, met with world leaders, and urged cooperation across faiths—though not without pushback for, at times, appearing to soften core doctrines of the Church.
Pope Francis may have left this world, but his legacy—marked by compassion, controversy, and conviction—will live on. His passing signals not just the end of a papacy, but the beginning of another crucial turning point for the Catholic Church and the billions it touches.
As the faithful prepare to bury their shepherd and await his successor, the world watches closely to see what direction the next pope will take—and whether it will continue the progressive path Francis forged, or return to more traditional roots.
