Vatican City – Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope who reshaped the Catholic Church with a message of humility and inclusivity, died Monday at the age of 88.
According to the Vatican, the pontiff passed away at 7:35 a.m. at the Domus Santa Marta, his residence, following complications from a recent respiratory illness. Church bells tolled across Rome as Cardinal Kevin Farrell read the announcement.
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, ascended to the papacy in 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He became a global symbol of compassion, advocating for the poor, migrants and marginalized communities. His tenure included major reforms within the Vatican bureaucracy, renewed emphasis on environmental stewardship, and efforts to make the church more welcoming, notably to the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite his popularity among progressives, Francis faced sharp criticism from traditionalists for what they saw as liberal shifts in tone and governance. He steered the Church through major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the clergy abuse crisis, for which he later apologized and implemented reforms.
Pope Francis’ legacy is marked by his emphasis on mercy, social justice, and a vision of the Church as a sanctuary for all.
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