Thousands wave and cheer as Pope Francis rolls by in his Pope mobile to speak at the Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Rome, Italy – Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure who steered the Catholic Church toward greater inclusion and global engagement, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed the pope passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, marking the end of a consequential papacy that spanned over a decade.
The timing of his death—just hours after Christians celebrated Easter, the holiest day in the Christian calendar—added a poignant note to a life defined by both faith and controversy. Despite recent health struggles, including a bout of double pneumonia earlier this year, Francis made several public appearances during Holy Week, including a brief ride through the crowds in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s camerlengo, announced the pope’s passing “with deep sorrow,” offering prayers for the soul of “a true disciple of the Lord Jesus.” His death triggers nine days of mourning and a period of reflection for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics as the Church prepares to elect his successor.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, was a trailblazer in nearly every sense. A Jesuit and the first pope from the Global South, he brought an outsider’s vision to the papacy when he was elected in 2013. Eschewing the traditional papal apartments, he chose instead to live in a modest guesthouse and modeled humility, simplicity, and advocacy for the marginalized.
His papacy was marked by bold gestures and seismic shifts in tone. Francis challenged Church elites, prioritized pastoral care over doctrinal purity, and emphasized mercy over judgment. He opened the door to blessings for same-sex couples, advocated for climate action, championed the poor and displaced, and pushed for transparency in Church finances. He also expanded the role of women in the Vatican and implemented new accountability measures for bishops involved in abuse cover-ups.
Yet his legacy remains complex. While lauded as a reformer, many criticized him for not going far enough. Survivors of clerical abuse continued to press for deeper reforms, and progressive Catholics were often left frustrated by the slow pace of change on issues like women’s ordination and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Meanwhile, Francis faced fierce resistance from conservative factions, particularly in the United States, where his stances on immigration and social justice drew criticism from political and religious hardliners.
Global tributes poured in following news of his death. U.S. President Donald Trump offered a brief message on Truth Social, while Vice President JD Vance, who met with the pope on Easter Sunday, described the visit as “an honor.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called him “a great man and a great pastor,” and Argentina’s President Javier Milei paid tribute to “his kindness and wisdom.” King Charles III said Francis would be remembered for his “compassion” and “commitment to the common good.”
As mourners gathered in St. Peter’s Square, where bells tolled solemnly across Rome, preparations began for Francis’s funeral. His body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica beginning Wednesday, with a burial expected later in the week.
Pope Francis leaves behind a redefined papacy—one rooted in humility, dialogue, and a persistent call for justice in a fractured world.
