VATICAN CITY—Pope Francis, the first pontiff hailing from Latin America, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. Known for his compassionate demeanor and advocacy for the impoverished, he left a complex legacy that captivated the world but also sowed division among conservative circles due to his sharp criticisms of capitalism and proactive stance on climate change.
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis died following a stroke, which subsequently led to heart failure and a coma. As news of his passing resonated globally, church bells echoed from his native Argentina to the Philippines and throughout Rome.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell spoke from Domus Santa Marta, Francis’ residence, declaring, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and his Church.”
Pope Francis had endured chronic lung disease and had a portion of one lung removed during his youth. In February 2025, he was hospitalized at Gemelli hospital due to a respiratory crisis that worsened into double pneumonia. His 38-day stay marked the most prolonged hospitalization he experienced during his 12-year papacy.
The pope made his last public blessing on Easter Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, receiving an overwhelming response from the crowd. Before the blessing, Pope Francis had a meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance. His final appearance was from the same balcony where he was first unveiled as pope on March 13, 2013.
From the outset of his papacy with a simple “Buonasera” (“Good evening”), Francis embodied an approach that was different from his predecessors. His embrace of humility and advocacy for disenfranchised communities became central themes in his efforts to address the scandals and apathy that had troubled the Catholic Church.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he rejuvenated an ancient institution facing a decline in influence and a turbulent period under Pope Benedict XVI, whose abrupt resignation led to Francis’ election. However, his progressive policies soon caused discord among traditionalists, particularly due to his inclusive outreach towards LGBTQ+ Catholics and his efforts to reform church traditions.
Francis faced significant challenges, notably during a 2018 scandal involving clergy sexual abuse in Chile, which reignited a deep-seated crisis. Despite these difficulties, he continued to champion global unity during the COVID-19 pandemic, urging a reconsideration of economic systems for greater solidarity.
Global leaders reacted by praising Francis for his work with marginalized communities. In France, President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the pope’s dedication to spreading joy and hope to the poorest segments of society. Meanwhile, flags in Italy flew at half-staff, and thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square to mourn.
In the days following his death, the Vatican will organize public commemorations, allowing the faithful to pay their respects before a conclave convenes to elect a new pope. The burial of Francis is planned in St. Mary Major Basilica, reflecting his devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis sought to reform Vatican administration and financial practices but went beyond these mandates by fostering a more inclusive church. This approach was evident in his noted remark, “Who am I to judge?” when discussing the inclusion of gay priests.
He consistently advocated for broader theological and social change while maintaining established church doctrines in some areas, such as the prohibition on ordaining women. However, he appointed women to significant roles within the church hierarchy and allowed them new privileges in liturgical participation.
His vision for a welcoming church, emphasizing mercy and inclusion, was epitomized by his consistent advocacy for migrants, the poor, and marginalized groups. He famously criticized political actions contrary to these values, like building walls to exclude migrants.
Though his progressive stances inspired many, they alienated conservative factions, especially concerning issues like globalization and climate change. Pope Francis’ outreach efforts extended geopolitically, forging new relationships across faith traditions and countries, even with historical adversaries like China.
Despite his reforms, there were critiques of his handling of sexual abuse allegations, leading to outrage and calls for more robust accountability measures within the church hierarchy, which remained a sensitive and defining issue during his tenure.
Francis’ pragmatic outlook became a defining feature of his papacy, symbolized through personal simplicity akin to his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi. His life was devoted to addressing societal ills with humility and action.
The former Jesuit and archbishop, who narrowly avoided becoming pope in 2005, established a profound narrative of renewal in the church, navigating both prominent strides in social justice and the lingering shadows of unresolved controversies.
Pope Francis’ death marks the end of a transformative chapter for the Vatican, setting the stage for a new leadership that will continue to grapple with the challenges of modernizing an age-old institution.