Pope Francis, the first Latin American head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed on Monday. His death ends a 12-year papacy marked by reform efforts, health struggles and internal challenges within the Church.
In recent years, Pope Francis dealt with several health problems. He underwent surgeries and faced recurring medical issues, which often limited his ability to fully perform his duties. The Vatican has not yet released details about his funeral or how the next pope will be chosen.
On Sunday, just a day before his death, Pope Francis addressed the conflict in Gaza. He urged for an immediate ceasefire and spoke out against the worsening humanitarian crisis caused by Israel’s military operations. During his Easter Sunday Mass in Vatican City, he called for peace, the release of hostages, and unity between Israelis and Palestinians. Thousands had gathered to hear his message.
Read more: Vatican Releases First Image of Pope Francis in Hospital
Pope Francis became the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, after Pope Benedict XVI resigned. This was the first time in modern history that two popes lived within the Vatican at the same time. From the start, Francis took a different approach. He chose to live in a shared residence instead of the traditional Apostolic Palace, saying it helped his mental well-being.
His leadership focused on reforming the Church. He tried to address long-standing issues like child sex abuse and problems within the Vatican’s administration. He also promoted interfaith dialogue, social justice, and care for the environment. Many admired his humble lifestyle and his support for migrants, the poor, and other vulnerable communities.
However, his time as pope was not without criticism. Some conservative members of the Church felt he went too far in changing traditions, while some progressives believed he did not push reform far enough. Even so, Pope Francis remained one of the most influential religious leaders of the modern era.
He travelled widely, often using his visits to promote peace and unity. With his death, the focus now shifts to the College of Cardinals, who will begin the process of choosing his successor. Nearly 80% of the cardinals eligible to vote were appointed by Francis himself.
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