Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church and a global advocate for the marginalized, died this morning at 7:35 a.m. at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City. He was 88 years old.
The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who stated, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized."
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, had recently celebrated the twelfth anniversary of his election to the papacy. His tenure was marked by a focus on mercy, social justice, care for the environment, and outreach to the world’s most vulnerable populations.
The Pope’s health had been in decline following a series of respiratory illnesses. He was hospitalized in February 2025 for bronchitis and bilateral pneumonia, experiencing several setbacks before being discharged in March to continue his recovery at home.
On Easter Sunday, just a day before his death, Pope Francis made a brief public appearance to bless the faithful in St. Peter’s Square, despite delegating the traditional Easter Mass due to his fragile health.
World leaders and millions of Catholics are mourning his passing, reflecting on a papacy that reshaped the Church’s image and mission in the 21st century. Funeral arrangements are expected to follow Francis’s wishes for a simple burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
The Vatican now enters a period of mourning and transition as preparations begin for the election of a new pope.
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