Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88.
The Vatican made the announcement on Easter Monday, stating that the Pope passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. (local time) at his residence in Casa Santa Marta.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” the Vatican’s statement read. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years. He was ordained in 1969 and became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. Pope John Paul II made him a cardinal in 2001.
He was elected pope on March 13, 2013, following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Francis took his name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi and became known for his humility, emphasis on mercy, and advocacy for the poor and marginalized.
Throughout his pontificate, Francis prioritized interfaith dialogue, environmental stewardship, and a more inclusive Church, often challenging traditional norms with a down-to-earth approach. He chose to reside in the modest Vatican guesthouse rather than the grand Apostolic Palace, signaling a papacy of simplicity and accessibility.
His passing marks the end of a transformative era in the Catholic Church.
