Pope Francis Dies at 88, Vatican Announces

Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced. His death came just one day after he made a heartening appearance at Saint Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday, despite ongoing health concerns.

“It is with profound sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement released on the Vatican’s official Telegram channel. “This morning, at 7:35 am (0535 GMT), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”

The Pope’s passing follows a long battle with illness. He had been hospitalized for 38 days earlier this year due to severe pneumonia and had twice been on the brink of death. He was discharged from hospital on March 23.

Just 24 hours before his death, Pope Francis had brought joy and hope to thousands of worshippers gathered in Saint Peter’s Square, greeting them with a warm “Happy Easter” from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica. In his traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing, he emphasized the importance of freedom of thought and global tolerance—messages that have long defined his papacy.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European in over a millennium to be elected Pope. His tenure was marked by efforts to reform the Church, advocate for the poor, and address global challenges such as climate change, migration, and inequality.

Funeral arrangements and further details are expected to be announced by the Vatican in the coming days.