NAIROBI, Kenya — In a moment that marks the end of an era and the beginning of a delicate transition for the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis has died at the age of 88.
The Vatican confirmed the pontiff’s death early Monday morning, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell announcing that the Bishop of Rome “returned to the house of the Father” at 7:35am.
Francis—the first pope from South America, the first Jesuit pontiff, and arguably the most influential religious leader of the digital age—leaves behind a complex but groundbreaking legacy.
From championing the marginalized to reshaping Church doctrine with humility and humanity, Francis was, as many dubbed him, the “People’s Pope.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Pope Francis ascended to the papacy in 2013 following the surprise resignation of Benedict XVI—the first pope to step down in over 600 years. And from day one, Francis made it clear: this was going to be a different kind of papacy.
He didn’t just talk about humility; he lived it. In 2016, Francis famously washed the feet of Muslim, Hindu, and Christian refugees at a shelter outside Rome—a bold gesture in a Church often bound by tradition.
His advocacy for migrants and the poor, his stance on climate change, and his push for a more inclusive Church made headlines—and history.
Yet his leadership was not without controversy. While he made strides in embracing the LGBTQ community (his now-iconic “Who am I to judge?” remark went viral in 2013), Francis also reaffirmed the Church’s opposition to gender reassignment and abortion in 2024 by signing Dignitas Infinita.
His later years saw internal scrutiny, especially after reports surfaced that he allegedly used a homophobic slur in private—casting a shadow on his otherwise progressive image.
Francis’ later years were marred by health challenges that kept Catholics and observers on edge. His health issues, some stemming from his youth—including the removal of part of one lung in Argentina—intensified over the last few years.
From colon surgery in 2021 to a prolonged battle with pneumonia earlier this year, the pope’s public appearances grew rare and brief. He often relied on a wheelchair or cane and limited his public addresses.
In February 2025, he was hospitalized again for bilateral pneumonia, prompting worldwide vigils. By March, doctors confirmed mild kidney failure, and he remained in intensive care for weeks. When he reemerged briefly on 23 March, waving from a hospital balcony, the crowd roared—but the concern lingered.
The Vatican maintained that Francis would continue treatment at home with 24-hour medical supervision, but his final months were visibly taxing. Despite these trials, he continued to engage with global leaders—including a final meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance just days before his death—and addressed the faithful during Easter services, albeit from a distance.
The process to choose the next pope is already underway. A conclave—typically held 15 to 20 days after the death of a pontiff—will bring together cardinals from around the world to elect Francis’ successor.
His passing comes at a critical moment for the Catholic Church. With over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, the pressure to select a pope who can balance tradition with 21st-century expectations is immense. Will the next leader continue Francis’ legacy of openness and reform? Or will the Church pivot toward conservatism in response to global and internal pressures?
For now, the Vatican remains the focal point of mourning. Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Monday evening for prayers, while flowers and tributes flood both the Vatican and the Rome hospital where he spent his final days.
Pope Francis didn’t just lead the Church—he reimagined its voice in the modern world. With a smartphone in one hand and the Gospel in the other, he bridged the divide between faith and relevance in an increasingly secular society.
As the Catholic Church prepares to turn the page, the world remembers a man who preached inclusion, embraced the marginalized, and wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo.
In the end, Pope Francis’ legacy may be best summed up in his own words: “We are all sinners. But we are all loved by God.”
And for billions, that message will echo long after the bells of St. Peter’s have tolled.
