Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced.
The Pontiff, who served as Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church, was elected in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
His death was confirmed in a statement by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who said: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
“At 7:35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was devoted to the service of the Lord and His Church.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially for the poor and marginalised.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the Triune God.”
The process of electing a new Pope, known as a conclave, is typically held 15 to 20 days after a pontiff’s death.
Health Struggles in Recent Years
Pope Francis’ later years were marked by several hospital stays and growing concern for his health. On 14 February, he was hospitalised with bronchitis. The Vatican later confirmed he had bilateral pneumonia and received blood transfusions due to low platelet counts, linked to anaemia.
By 22 February, he was in critical condition after a prolonged respiratory crisis requiring a high flow of oxygen. The following day, the Vatican reported initial signs of kidney failure.
Thousands of worshippers gathered in St Peter’s Square and outside his hospital in Rome to offer prayers and leave tributes during this time.
His voice was first heard again on 6 March in an audio message thanking well-wishers, saying: “I am with you from here.”
On Easter Sunday, he greeted crowds during the service, one day after meeting with US Vice President JD Vance. He was discharged from hospital on 23 March after a 38-day stay, appearing publicly from the hospital balcony to smile and give a thumbs-up.
On his way back to the Vatican, he made a brief stop at his favourite basilica and began a period of prescribed rest. Doctors confirmed he would have access to supplemental oxygen and round-the-clock care, and continue medication for a fungal infection in his lungs.
A Global Figure – The ‘People’s Pope’
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Francis became the first pope from South America and was widely regarded as the “People’s Pope” for his outreach to those affected by war, poverty, and displacement.
In a notable gesture of humility and inclusion in 2016, he washed the feet of refugees from various religious backgrounds at a centre outside Rome.
Throughout his papacy, he addressed key global issues including climate change, social inequality, and the role of women in the Church.
His progressive approach to LGBTQ+ individuals stood out in the traditionally conservative Vatican. In a landmark 2013 comment, he said: “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge them?”
However, in April 2024, he reaffirmed the Church’s opposition to abortion, gender reassignment, surrogacy, and euthanasia by endorsing a document titled Dignitas Infinita (Infinite Dignity). His liberal credentials were questioned the same year after reports emerged of a homophobic slur used in private.
End of an Era
Pope Francis faced significant health challenges in his later years. As a young man in Argentina, he had part of one lung removed. More recently, he used a wheelchair or walking stick and limited his public speaking due to recurrent illness.
In 2021, he underwent surgery to remove part of his colon, and in June 2023, had another operation for an abdominal hernia.
He missed several major liturgical events, including the Good Friday procession in 2024, and had previously hinted he might resign should his health deteriorate, following the example of his predecessor Benedict XVI, who stepped down in 2013 and passed away in 2022.
Francis will be remembered for his humility, his efforts to reform the Church, and his unwavering focus on compassion and justice. His passing will be mourned by the estimated 1.4 billion Catholics around the world.