Pope Francis, the first pope from South America and a champion of social justice, has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed today.
Known for his progressive views, advocacy for the poor, and emphasis on humility, his health had been declining in recent years, leading to canceled events and frequent hospitalizations. His death marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church and leaves a lasting impact on 1.4 billion followers worldwide.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Francis was elected pope in 2013, becoming the first non-European pontiff in over a millennium. Throughout his papacy, he was widely celebrated for his emphasis on compassion and service, particularly for marginalized communities. His focus on the poor, refugees, and those affected by poverty earned him the nickname “People’s Pope.”
Despite facing numerous health challenges, including a partial lung removal in his youth and a series of surgeries in recent years, Francis continued to serve the Church with dedication. In recent months, his health had worsened, forcing him to miss significant events and rely on mobility aids. His passing comes after a period of prescribed rest and recovery following a battle with pneumonia and a fungal infection in his lungs.
Francis’ tenure was marked by bold stances on several social issues, including his historic support for the LGBTQ community, his outspoken advocacy for climate change action, and his push for wealth redistribution to address global inequality. In 2016, he famously washed the feet of refugees from different faiths, symbolizing his commitment to humility and service.
His death brings an end to a transformative papacy that not only reshaped the image of the Catholic Church but also left a lasting legacy in global discussions on faith, equality, and human dignity. The Vatican is expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days, as the Church and millions of Catholics worldwide mourn the loss of a pope who redefined the role of the papacy.