Vatican City: The world is in mourning following the death of Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, who passed away early Monday morning at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that the Pope died of a stroke and cardiac arrest at 7:35 a.m. local time, marking the end of a historic and often transformative papacy.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell during a live address on the Vatican’s TV channel. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Latin American and Jesuit pope in history. His death comes just weeks after he made a surprise public appearance on Easter Sunday, waving to cheering crowds from the popemobile in St. Peter’s Square — a moment that had reassured many about his recovery from a recent bout of pneumonia.
According to Vatican physician Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the Pope died after falling into a coma brought on by a massive stroke and irreversible heart failure. The Vatican also confirmed that Francis had long struggled with health complications, including high blood pressure and diabetes.
Preparations are now underway for the funeral rites. The Pope’s coffin is expected to be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, where Catholics from around the globe will be able to pay their respects. Though a precise date has not been announced, Vatican officials suggest the funeral could take place between Friday and Sunday.
The funeral is expected to draw an unprecedented number of dignitaries and religious leaders to Rome. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed he will attend, joining leaders from across the world. Argentina and Brazil have both declared seven days of national mourning in honor of the late pontiff.
Francis’ legacy is being remembered with deep emotion, particularly in Latin America and among advocates for the marginalized. “The pope of the poor has left us,” said Jorge García Cuerva, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. “The pope of the marginalised.”
Throughout his papacy, Francis was known for his outspoken advocacy on climate change, poverty, and social justice. He often challenged both tradition and bureaucracy within the Church, calling for mercy, humility, and inclusion in matters ranging from divorce and remarriage to LGBTQ+ rights and interfaith dialogue.
Despite declining health, Francis remained committed to his mission. Just last month, he spent 38 days in hospital battling pneumonia, before making his first extended public appearance on Easter — now remembered as his final blessing to the faithful.
The world now awaits the next steps in the Church’s transition, with cardinals set to convene on Tuesday to begin preparations for the papal conclave that will choose Francis’ successor.
As millions light candles and offer prayers, the words of Pope Francis continue to echo: “A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.”
