Vatican City –Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope who was loved for his humble ways and care for the poor, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Monday.
After a long illness, he passed away peacefully. He led the Catholic Church for 12 years and had been battling many health problems, including a serious case of double pneumonia recently.
kindness and humility were his identity. He had a good relationship even with world leaders, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In my opinion, today we have lost a true messenger of peace. Tears were flowing from my eyes in memory of him.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced his death on Vatican TV, saying, “Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sadness I announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. This morning at 7:35 (5:35 GMT), he passed away peacefully. God and the Church were his life.”
He died on Easter Monday, just one day after he made a surprise appearance to greet worshippers on Easter Sunday from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis became pope in 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI resigned — the first pope to resign in 600 years.
Recent Hospitalization
On February 14, Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital for bronchitis. Later, doctors found he had bilateral pneumonia (pneumonia in both lungs) and mild signs of kidney failure. His condition was serious at first, but over five weeks, he got better.
By March 23, he made a public appearance, waving and giving a thumbs-up to people gathered outside the hospital. He then returned to the Vatican to rest for two months.
On April 19, he met US Vice President JD Vance. The next day, he appeared at the Easter Sunday service, bringing joy to many.
Burial Plans
Pope Francis had made simple burial wishes.
Unlike the traditional burial in St. Peter’s Basilica with three coffins, he chose to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, inside a simple coffin made of wood and zinc. This choice reflected his lifelong desire to live humbly.
He is the first pope in over 100 years to be buried outside the Vatican.
His Legacy
Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas. He became pope on March 13, 2013, at the age of 76. Many were surprised at his election because he was considered an outsider.
Criticism
When he took over, the Catholic Church was facing major scandals, including global criticism over child sex abuse cases and deep divisions within the Vatican. Francis worked hard to make the Church more open and compassionate.
During his leadership:
He fought for social justice, immigrant rights, and environmental protection.
Pope dealt firmly with the child abuse crisis.
He allowed blessings for same-sex couples on a case-by-case basis.
Francis appointed women to leadership roles inside the Vatican for the first time.
He reorganized the Vatican offices and created over 900 new saints.
Francis made 47 foreign trips to over 65 countries.
Modern world
He led five major summits to discuss important issues like women’s roles in the Church.
While he had critics on both sides—some conservatives said he changed too much, while progressives wanted even faster reforms—Francis will be remembered for trying to bring the ancient Church closer to the modern world.
What Happens Now: The Conclave
With Pope Francis’s death, a traditional process called a conclave will begin to choose a new pope.
All the cardinals (senior church leaders) will gather in the Vatican about 15–20 days after his death to vote for his successor.
Until a new pope is chosen, the Vatican will be managed by the Camerlengo, who is currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell (originally from Dublin, Ireland).
Extra Information:
Pope Francis had chosen his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his love for the poor and simplicity.
His leadership style changed the way many people—both Catholics and non-Catholics—viewed the Church.
He was often seen as a “people’s pope,” welcoming all, including non-believers, to be part of a global conversation about peace, justice, and love.
“May God grant peace to his soul and give this messenger of peace a place at His feet.”