Pope Francis, the 266th head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. His passing was announced in the early hours of Monday, bringing an end to a decade-long papacy marked by reformist zeal, global outreach, and persistent health battles.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history in 2013 when he became the first pope from the Americas, and the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy. His tenure was defined by his progressive stance on key issues, efforts to modernize the Church, and his deep commitment to the marginalized. But in recent years, his papacy was increasingly overshadowed by recurring health concerns.
Pope Francis had been grappling with various medical conditions that intensified over the past few years. In 2021, he underwent major intestinal surgery to remove part of his colon due to diverticulitis, a condition that had caused him chronic pain. Though he initially recovered well, his health continued to fluctuate. In 2022 and 2023, he was frequently seen in a wheelchair, owing to persistent knee problems that severely limited his mobility.
In early 2024, the Vatican confirmed that the Pontiff had been suffering from acute bronchitis and recurring respiratory infections, which often forced him to cancel public appearances and reduce his workload. Despite these challenges, Pope Francis remained committed to his duties, frequently addressing global issues such as climate change, migration, poverty, and interfaith dialogue.
In March 2025, just weeks before his death, he was hospitalized once again following complications from a lung infection. Though the Vatican initially reported a stable condition, insiders had begun to express concerns about his declining strength and ability to recover.
His death marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church. Pope Francis will be remembered not only for his pastoral compassion and theological openness but also for steering the Church through some of its most tumultuous modern challenges, including the global abuse scandal, Vatican financial reforms, and a growing push for inclusivity and transparency.
As the world mourns his passing, attention will now turn to the College of Cardinals, who will convene in the coming days to begin the process of selecting a new pope.
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