By Our Reporter
The first Latin American pope, who led the Church for over a decade, passes away after prolonged illness on Easter Monday
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, the 266th Bishop of Rome and the first pontiff from Latin America, died at 7:35 a.m. on Easter Monday at the age of 88, following a lengthy battle with chronic lung disease. The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the Pope’s residence.
His passing came just a day after his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, when he delivered a blessing to thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square. The crowd erupted in applause, unaware it would be his last blessing. Pope Francis also held a brief meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance later that day.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected in March 2013 following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His 12-year papacy was marked by a strong focus on compassion, inclusivity, and reform. He sought to modernize the Church’s stance on social issues, showing greater openness toward LGBTQ+ Catholics and advocating for mercy over judgment.
Yet, his tenure was not without controversy. His handling of the clergy sexual abuse scandal in Chile drew widespread criticism, and many of his progressive views were met with resistance from conservative factions within the Vatican hierarchy. Nonetheless, Pope Francis remained a symbol of humility, often eschewing traditional papal grandeur in favor of simplicity and direct pastoral engagement.
A deeply spiritual and often polarizing figure, Pope Francis leaves behind a complex but impactful legacy, having steered the Catholic Church through a rapidly changing global landscape with a blend of tradition and transformation.
Funeral arrangements and the timeline for the upcoming conclave to elect his successor are expected to be announced in the coming days.