Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church and a transformative figure for over a decade, has died at age 88. His passing at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta concludes a papacy defined by bold reforms, global outreach, and a message of hope in turbulent times.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere. His election signaled a new era for the Church, one marked by humility, accessibility, and a deep concern for the marginalized.
Francis’s tenure was shaped by his commitment to social justice, environmental stewardship, and a more inclusive vision of Catholicism. He championed the cause of migrants, the poor, and the environment, urging the world to embrace “a climate of hope and trust, and a sense of universal fraternity.” His declaration of 2025 as a Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” was emblematic of his lifelong mission to inspire renewal and unity amid global crises.
The pope’s health had been a concern in recent years. In early 2025, he was hospitalized with bilateral pneumonia, and although Vatican officials reported he was in good spirits, his condition remained serious. Close observers noted that Francis, nearly 90, had privately expressed concerns about his survival, and his final weeks were marked by both public prayers and private preparations for the end.
