Pope Francis, the 88-year-old head of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Monday morning in Rome after a prolonged battle with illness, the Vatican confirmed through an official video statement.
Announcing the solemn news, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican’s camerlengo, said: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His life was devoted entirely to the service of the Lord and the Church.”
Reflecting on the Pope’s enduring legacy, Cardinal Ferrell added, “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with unwavering faith, courage, and boundless love, especially for the poor and marginalized.
With deep gratitude for his life as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, we entrust his soul to the infinite mercy of God.”
Elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, Francis — born Jorge Mario Bergoglio — became the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy.
His tenure was marked by efforts to modernize and reform the Church, often steering it through internal divisions and global controversies with a pastoral, progressive tone.
His passing came just one day after he made a surprise public appearance on Easter Sunday, greeting an estimated crowd of over 35,000 people in St. Peter’s Square — his most prominent outing since recovering from a severe case of double pneumonia.
Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis faced several health challenges, including respiratory issues which intensified during his final days.
Born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the son of Italian immigrants — Mario Bergoglio, a railway accountant, and Regina Sivori.
Initially pursuing a career as a chemical technician, he later chose to follow his religious calling, entering the Diocesan Seminary of Villa Devoto. On March 11, 1958, he joined the Society of Jesus, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to his faith.
With the passing of a sitting pope, the Roman Catholic Church now enters a period of mourning and transition, adhering to centuries-old customs. This period, known as sede vacante — Latin for “the empty seat” — refers to the time when the papal office is vacant.
During this phase, the late pontiff’s body will lie in state, and his funeral rites will be observed before the College of Cardinals gathers for the conclave — the secretive election process to choose his successor.
According to established Vatican protocol, the conclave must begin between 15 and 20 days after the pope’s death.
It was previously reported that Pope Francis had prepared a letter of resignation to be activated in the event of medical incapacitation, a rare but significant gesture reflecting his pragmatic approach to leadership.
As the Church prepares to bid farewell to Pope Francis, the world reflects on the transformative and often challenging papacy of a leader who sought to bring humility, inclusivity, and compassion to the heart of Catholicism.
