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| Pope Francis waves as he arrives to lead the weekly audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, October 21, 2015. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi/File Photo |
Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church and a transformative figure known for his advocacy for the poor and efforts to reform the Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Easter Monday.
His death marks the end of a significant and often contentious papacy characterized by his push to modernize the centuries-old institution.
The pontiff had recently recovered from a severe case of double pneumonia, which had led to a 38-day hospitalization beginning in mid-February 2025.
After his discharge, he returned to his Vatican residence at Casa Santa Marta, where he passed away peacefully early Monday morning.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, solemnly announced the Pope’s passing, highlighting Francis’s lifelong dedication to serving the Church and living out the Gospel’s values with courage and universal love, particularly for society’s most vulnerable.
"Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican's TV channel.
"At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father."
Elected in 2013 as the first Jesuit and Latin American pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio brought a fresh perspective to the Vatican, focusing on humility, social justice, and addressing internal Church crises, including the handling of sexual abuse scandals. Despite facing opposition and controversy, he maintained a vision of a more compassionate and inclusive Church.
In his final years, Pope Francis continued to influence Church doctrine and practice, approving updated funeral rites reflecting his wishes for simplicity and faith-centered ceremonies.
His legacy as a reformer and advocate for the marginalized will shape the Catholic Church’s future direction.
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