The Vatican has officially confirmed the death of Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. He passed away peacefully at the age of 88.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. His papacy was marked by humility, a strong focus on social justice, climate action, and outreach to marginalized communities.
The Holy See announced his passing early Monday morning, noting that the pontiff had been under close medical care in recent weeks due to recurring health complications. Details surrounding his funeral arrangements and the upcoming conclave to elect his successor are expected in the coming days.
Tributes have begun pouring in from world leaders, religious figures, and faithful Catholics around the globe, remembering Pope Francis as a compassionate reformer who sought to bring the Church closer to the people.
