Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed on Monday.
His death marks the end of a 12-year papacy that was often characterised by both reformist efforts and significant internal challenges.
Pope Francis had faced numerous health problems in recent years, including surgeries and ongoing ailments, which had affected his ability to fully carry out his duties.
The Vatican has not yet announced details regarding his funeral or the process of selecting his successor.
On Sunday, Pope Francis appealed for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and condemned the dire humanitarian conditions resulting from Israel’s military campaign in the region.
Speaking to thousands gathered in Vatican City for the Easter Sunday Mass, he called for peace, the release of hostages, and global solidarity with both Israelis and Palestinians.
Pope Francis was elected as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013. His election followed the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, marking the first time in modern history that two popes lived concurrently within the Vatican.
Francis’ papacy was characterised by efforts to reform and modernize the Church. He prioritized simplicity, choosing not to reside in the ornate Apostolic Palace, instead living in a communal residence for what he described as his “psychological health.”
His agenda included addressing internal Vatican issues, such as the child sex abuse crisis and administrative dysfunction, and promoting interfaith dialogue, social justice, and environmental stewardship.
His approach, however, drew both support and criticism. While he gained popularity worldwide for his humility and advocacy for marginalized communities, including migrants and the poor, he faced significant opposition within the Church. Conservative critics accused him of undermining traditional doctrine, while some progressive voices felt he had not gone far enough in implementing reform.
Francis made numerous international visits, drawing large crowds and often using his platform to promote peace and unity across religious and national divides. His efforts to shape a more inclusive and responsive Church made him one of the most prominent global religious figures of the 21st century.
With his passing, attention will now turn to the College of Cardinals, nearly 80% of whom were appointed by Francis himself.
