Pope Francis Dead at 88

Pope Francis — the 266th pope in the Catholic Church’s history — has passed away, as confirmed by the Vatican.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Cardinal Kevin Ferrell said in a statement on Monday.

Reports emerged at the end of February that the pope was in declining health after being hospitalized with double pneumonia and bronchitis.

Several dignitaries visited him in the hospital during his recovery, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni noting that the pope remained alert and reactive.

Pope Francis had faced health challenges in recent years, including a respiratory infection that required hospitalization in March 2023, as well as a previous lung surgery due to pleurisy.

Although initially suspected, COVID, heart problems, and pneumonia were ruled out during his hospital stay.

In June of the same year, Pope Francis underwent stomach surgery and spent nine days recovering in the hospital.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis assumed his role in 2013 and implemented significant reforms, including a new constitution.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was recognized for his progressive views, advocating for gay rights and legal protections for same-sex couples, despite certain reservations on the topic of marriage.

Pope Francis broke several barriers by being the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, as well as the first non-European pope since the 8th century.

He passed away at the age of 88.