VATICAN CITY — In a solemn announcement that echoed across the globe, the Vatican confirmed on Monday the passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, at the age of 88. Known for his humility, simplicity, and progressive vision for the Catholic Church, Pope Francis died at 7:35 AM local time (5:35 GMT) on Easter Monday. His final moments came just one day after he appeared on the balcony of Saint Peter's Basilica during Easter Sunday celebrations, offering his blessing to the faithful.
Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Humble Leader and Reformist Who Reshaped the Church
Cardinal Kevin Farrell delivered the announcement via the Vatican’s official television channel: “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. 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.”
Health Struggles and Final Days
Pope Francis had faced several health challenges in recent years, including a serious bout of double pneumonia earlier this year. On February 14, he was admitted to hospital with symptoms of bronchitis, which quickly escalated to bilateral pneumonia. According to the Vatican, he also showed early signs of kidney failure at the time.
Despite these alarming developments, Pope Francis rallied in March, briefly appearing on a hospital balcony to greet well-wishers with a thumbs-up. He returned to the Vatican to begin a two-month recovery. On April 19, just days before his passing, he met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance. On Easter Sunday, he again appeared to crowds at St. Peter’s Square—his final public appearance.
Throughout his 12-year papacy, he also endured a series of health problems: a respiratory infection in March 2023, hernia surgery that same year, colon surgery in 2021, and even a partial lung removal in his youth. Most recently, knee pain confined him to a wheelchair, and he had suffered falls in recent months.
The Burial: A Humble Departure
Breaking with a tradition over a century old, Pope Francis will not be buried in the Vatican. Instead, he requested to be laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome. He also declined the customary three-coffin burial ritual reserved for popes, opting instead for a single coffin made of wood and zinc. This decision, much like his life, symbolised a desire for humility and simplicity.
Early Life and Papal Election
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first Jesuit, the first Latin American, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. Elected on March 13, 2013, at the age of 76, he succeeded Pope Benedict XVI, who had resigned due to declining health—the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years.
Pope Francis was often described as an outsider and reformist. His selection marked a turning point for the Church, which was grappling with multiple crises, including the global clerical sex abuse scandal and internal power struggles within the Vatican bureaucracy.
Papacy and Key Achievements
During his 12-year tenure, Pope Francis emerged as one of the most transformative figures in modern Church history. While his efforts were often met with both praise and criticism, his actions consistently reflected his core principles of compassion, inclusion, and justice.
1. Championing the Poor and Marginalized
Francis championed social justice, often criticising the global economic order and urging action on poverty, inequality, and migration. His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ was a groundbreaking document on environmental issues, calling climate change a moral issue.
2. Response to Clergy Sexual Abuse
Pope Francis took significant steps to address the global crisis of clerical sex abuse. He implemented stronger accountability measures for bishops and priests and established tribunals to handle abuse cases. Still, critics argue that reforms did not go far enough.
3. Bureaucratic Reforms
The Vatican’s central administration, known as the Curia, underwent a thorough reorganisation under Francis. He streamlined several departments, increased financial transparency, and created new roles to promote inclusivity and efficiency.
4. Progressive Social Views
Francis made headlines by allowing blessings for same-sex couples, albeit under specific conditions. While he stopped short of endorsing same-sex marriage within the Church, the move signified a more inclusive stance. He also opened doors for women to serve in leadership positions within the Vatican, including the first female undersecretary at the Synod of Bishops.
5. Global Outreach
Over his papacy, Pope Francis made 47 international trips, visiting more than 65 countries. He was known for engaging directly with communities affected by war, poverty, and displacement. His messages often focused on interfaith dialogue, peacemaking, and solidarity with the oppressed.
6. Doctrinal Summits and Saints
Francis convened five major synods to address contentious issues such as celibacy, sexual ethics, and the role of women in the Church. He also canonised over 900 saints, including Oscar Romero, John Henry Newman, and Mother Teresa.
A Papacy Marked by Internal Divides
Despite his widespread popularity among global followers, Francis often found himself at odds with conservative factions within the Church. Critics accused him of diluting tradition, while progressives argued that his reforms didn’t go far enough.
Nevertheless, Francis maintained a balance, advocating dialogue and often choosing compromise over confrontation. His style was pastoral, not dogmatic, aiming to bring the Church closer to people’s lived realities.
Looking Ahead: The Conclave Begins
With Pope Francis’s passing, the centuries-old tradition of electing a new pope will begin. The process, known as the conclave, will convene between 15 to 20 days after his death. Cardinals from around the world will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect a successor in a secret ballot.
In the interim, the Vatican’s day-to-day operations will be managed by the camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell. He will oversee funeral arrangements and preparations for the conclave.
Final Thoughts
Pope Francis leaves behind a Church that is both more open and more challenged than it was in 2013. His legacy is one of humility, reform, and compassion. He redefined what it means to be a pope in the modern world—not just a guardian of doctrine, but a pastor for the people.
His life and death mark the end of an era, yet also the beginning of a new chapter in Catholic history. As the world mourns, it also waits to see how the Church will move forward.
