Pope Francis dies at 88

Pope Francis, the first pope from Latin America and the head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death in an official announcement on Monday morning.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell shared the news on Vatican TV, saying, “With deep sadness, I announce that Pope Francis has passed away. At 7:35 a.m., he returned to the house of the Father.” Francis had been seriously ill in recent months, including a recent struggle with double pneumonia.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis was elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013. His election surprised many, as he was seen as an outsider who deeply cared for the poor and lived a humble lifestyle. He chose not to live in the traditional papal apartments and instead stayed in a simpler guesthouse for his mental well-being.

During his time as pope, he aimed to reform the Catholic Church, which was facing scandals and internal issues. He tried to make the Church more open and modern, but his ideas were met with resistance. Conservative groups felt he changed too much, while progressives wanted him to go even further.

Despite challenges, Francis became a respected global figure. He promoted peace, spoke up for migrants and the poor, and encouraged cooperation between different religions. He traveled widely and connected with people around the world.

Francis also led during a rare time in Church history — when two popes were living at the Vatican. After Pope Benedict XVI stepped down in 2013, he continued to live in the Vatican until his death in 2022.

Over the years, Pope Francis appointed nearly 80% of the cardinals who will now be responsible for choosing the next pope. This means his vision for a more compassionate and modern Church may continue after his passing.

His life was dedicated to serving others, and his legacy will be remembered by millions of people around the world.