Pope Francis Passes Away at 88, Leaves Lasting Legacy

VATICAN CITY - With profound sadness, the Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church. The pontiff, who was 88 years old, died at 7:35 a.m. local time, as confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement released by the Vatican.

Cardinal Farrell said, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 a.m. this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

In recent years, Pope Francis had been struggling with various health issues, which led to several hospital visits and cancellations of events. On February 14, he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome for bronchitis treatment, and later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. His condition was critical at one point, requiring a high flow of oxygen and blood transfusions. After a 38-day hospital stay, Francis returned to the Vatican on March 23, and began a period of rest and recovery.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936, Francis became the first pope from South America and was known for his compassion and dedication to the poor. His papacy was marked by significant events, including his advocacy for environmental protection and his championing of the cause of the marginalized. He was often referred to as the “People's Pope.”

Pope Francis published the encyclical Laudato si' in 2015, emphasizing the importance of protecting the planet. He sparked controversy with his remark, "If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge them?" In April 2024, he signed the text "Dignitas Infinita" (Infinite Dignity), reiterating the Vatican's stance on gender reassignment and surrogacy.

The news of Pope Francis' passing is expected to resonate with an estimated 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, who will mourn the loss of a spiritual leader who inspired countless individuals with his message of love and compassion.