Pope Francis Dies at 88
Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 due to complications from double pneumonia. He had spent his final weeks in the hospital. His body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, with the Conclave to choose his successor expected in about 15 days. Unlike his predecessors, he will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, not the Vatican. On Easter Sunday, just a day before his death, Francis surprised crowds in St. Peter’s Square with a blessing and popemobile ride, despite his fragile health. He met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, though their history of disagreement over immigration was well known.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Francis was the first Latin-American and first non-European pope in over 1,300 years. He was known for his progressive stance on the environment, migrants, and social issues, though he remained firm in the Church’s position on abortion. His papacy, which began in 2013, was marked by efforts to modernize the Church, address sexual abuse scandals, and promote global peace. He visited over 50 countries, including Iraq, the U.S., and Timor-Leste, where he drew massive crowds.
Though criticized for his role during Argentina’s dictatorship, Francis later apologized for the Church’s inaction and called for truth and reconciliation. He also faced health challenges, including surgery and multiple falls, and had only one lung. Despite declining health, Francis remained active almost until the end. His final trip, in September 2024, took him to Southeast Asia and Oceania. His legacy will be remembered for compassion, humility, and dedication to justice.