Pope Francis, a revered advocate for the poor and a transformative leader in the Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, as announced by the Vatican. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, shared the news on Monday morning.
“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 Triune God,” the statement read.
Elected in 2013, Francis made history as the first Latin American pope and one of the oldest to assume the role. His passing comes just weeks after he was discharged from a Rome hospital, where he had been treated for a serious pneumonia affecting both lungs. Doctors had reported that his condition had stabilized, allowing him to return to his residence at Casa Santa Marta. He delighted the faithful with a surprise appearance at St. Peter’s Square just two weeks after leaving the hospital.
Francis’s death now prompts a global gathering of cardinals in Rome, who will mourn his loss and initiate the process of selecting his successor, a decision that will undoubtedly influence the future direction of the Church.
As the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years, Francis was known for championing the marginalized, advocating for environmental protection, and supporting migrants. However, his papacy was also marked by significant divisions over issues such as same-sex relationships and the Church’s response to abuse scandals.
In his final months, he vocally criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration deportation policies, reaffirming his commitment to migrants and opposing the rise of nationalist populism. Throughout his leadership, Francis faced challenges from powerful conservative factions within the Catholic community, particularly in the United States.
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