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Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88 following complications from a lung illness. The sad news was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a video statement aired on the Vatican’s TV channel, confirming that the pontiff passed away at 7:35 a.m. The Vatican had been monitoring his condition closely after he was hospitalized for pneumonia in March 2025, and he had been under medical care at the Vatican since his release from the hospital.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis made history in 2013 when he became the first Latin American pope and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy. His selection as pope marked a significant moment in the Church’s history, as he became the first non-European pontiff in more than 1,000 years.
Throughout his nearly 12-year papacy, Pope Francis was known for his humble, approachable style, choosing to live in a guesthouse rather than the traditional Apostolic Palace. His message was one of openness, compassion, and inclusivity. He was especially noted for his progressive views on social issues. For example, he made headlines in 2013 with his famous statement about homosexuality, saying, “If a person is gay and seeks God and has goodwill, who am I to judge?” He also approved blessings for same-sex couples and condemned laws that criminalized homosexuality, signaling a more inclusive approach within the Church.
Francis took bold stances on global issues, notably climate change and refugees. In 2015, he released his landmark encyclical Laudato si’, urging world leaders to act on climate change and protect the planet. He continued to emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship in his 2023 document Laudate Deum.
His papacy was also marked by efforts to apologize for the Church’s historical wrongs, such as his visit to Canada in 2022, where he expressed sorrow for the Church’s role in the residential school system that harmed Indigenous communities. While his apology was appreciated by many, some felt he did not fully accept institutional responsibility for the abuses.
Pope Francis’s leadership also included navigating sensitive global issues, such as his controversial remarks in 2024 about Ukraine and the conflict with Russia. Though he later clarified his comments, the controversy highlighted the challenges of balancing diplomacy with religious leadership in complex geopolitical conflicts.
One of his lasting legacies will be his influence on the Church’s future leadership. Having appointed 73% of the current cardinals, Pope Francis shaped the future direction of the Catholic Church, pushing for a more inclusive, global perspective, as opposed to a Church strictly rooted in European traditions.
As the conclave to choose his successor begins, Pope Francis’s influence will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the Church and beyond. His message of compassion, inclusivity, and social justice will remain central to his legacy.