Pope Francis, the Catholic Church’s first Latin American pontiff known for his humility and dedication to the poor, has died at the age of 88. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s camerlengo, announced that the pope passed away at 7:35 AM on Monday.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” Farrell said in a solemn statement. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.”
Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, just a day before his death, blessing thousands of faithful in St. Peter’s Square. In a surprise move, he took an impromptu ride in the popemobile, delighting the crowd with cheers and applause. Earlier that day, he held a brief meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
His last blessing was delivered from the same Vatican loggia where he was first introduced to the world as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013.
Succession process begins
The pope’s death initiates the ancient ritual of sede vacante (vacant seat), marking the start of the conclave to elect his successor. The elaborate process involves sacred oaths, Latin chants, and the iconic white or black smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating the outcome of cardinal votes. Only eligible cardinals will participate in the secret ballot within the chapel.
A transformative papacy
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis brought a renewed spirit to the 2,000-year-old institution when he assumed the papacy in 2013. His leadership followed the turbulent reign of Pope Benedict XVI, whose unprecedented resignation paved the way for Francis’ election. At a time when the Church faced declining influence, Francis’ pastoral approach and emphasis on social justice resonated globally.
His legacy as a reformer, an advocate for the marginalized, and a bridge-builder between faiths has left an indelible mark on both the Catholic Church and the world. Funeral arrangements and conclave details are expected to be announced in the coming days.
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