Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church and a global symbol of humility and compassion, passed away at 7:35 a.m. Central European Time (CET) on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta at the age of 88.
The Vatican announced his death with profound sorrow, citing a prolonged battle with respiratory illnesses, including a recent bout of double pneumonia, and early-stage kidney insufficiency as contributing factors.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, delivered the somber announcement via the Vatican’s television channel.
The cardinal praised Francis for teaching the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years.
His papacy was marked by a commitment to simplicity, inclusivity, and advocacy for the marginalized, earning him the moniker “The People’s Pope.”
Pope Francis faced significant health challenges throughout his life, including the removal of part of one lung at age 21 due to a severe infection, which made him prone to respiratory issues.
In recent years, he battled recurring bronchitis, pneumonia, and mild heart issues, including an irregular heartbeat.
His final hospitalization, lasting over a month, began in February 2025 after a diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia, compounded by asthmatic bronchitis and early kidney failure.
The Malakal Press 