The Vatican has confirmed the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88.

Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church since 2013, was widely admired for his compassion, humility, and progressive stance on many of today’s global challenges.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell made the solemn announcement from the Vatican early Monday morning, stating:

“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…

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.”

His passing marks the end of a transformative papacy that left a lasting impact on the Church and the world.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina in 1936, made history as the first South American and the first Jesuit to become pope.

Nicknamed the “People’s Pope,” he was known for standing up for the poor, refugees, and those on the margins of society.

One of his most memorable acts came in 2016, when he washed the feet of asylum seekers from various religions—a powerful gesture of humility and service.

Throughout his papacy, he didn’t shy away from speaking out on major global challenges like climate change and social inequality. He also struck a more welcoming tone toward the LGBTQ community, famously saying, “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gay clergy.

In his later years, however, some of that progressive image was clouded by controversy. He stood firmly by the Church’s traditional views on gender identity and euthanasia, and came under fire for reportedly using a homophobic slur—sparking criticism and complicating how he was seen by many.

Francis had been dealing with ongoing health problems for several years. Back in February, he was hospitalized with bronchitis, and was later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. His condition steadily declined, leading to what the Vatican described as a “prolonged respiratory crisis,” according to Sky News. He also battled kidney complications and anaemia.

Despite all of this, he still made public appearances in early 2025—including an emotional moment during Easter Sunday Mass. After a 38-day hospital stay that wrapped up in late March, he returned to the Vatican, where he’s been under round-the-clock medical supervision.

Doctors have said that while his pneumonia has cleared, he’s still being treated for a lung fungal infection, and continues to need oxygen and physiotherapy.

Over the weekend, crowds of worshippers filled St. Peter’s Square, lighting candles and offering heartfelt prayers for the Pope—a powerful display of his deep bond with Catholics around the world.

In recent years, his health had steadily declined, limiting his public appearances and forcing him to step back from key religious duties. He notably missed the 2024 Good Friday procession in Rome, a significant absence that underscored his frailty.

Back in 2022, he had suggested that, if his condition worsened, he might consider stepping down—much like his predecessor, Benedict XVI. Benedict made history in 2013 when he became the first pope in more than six centuries to resign due to health concerns. He passed away in 2022.

Now, as the world grieves his passing, over 1.4 billion Catholics are mourning a spiritual leader who helped reshape the papacy for the modern age.