Pope Francis passes away at the age of 88, announces Vatican

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death on Monday morning in a brief video statement issued by Cardinal Kevin Farrell. The news marks the end of an era for the Church, as Pope Francis was a revolutionary figure who redefined the papacy with his approach to global issues and leadership.

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis died at 7:35 am local time (0535 GMT), describing his return "to the home of the Father." He had been battling various health problems for years, which became more pronounced during his 12-year papacy. Despite his declining health, Pope Francis remained a vocal advocate for social justice, poverty alleviation, and climate action, gaining international respect for his progressive stances.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere when he was elected in 2013. His papacy was marked by a focus on humility, inclusivity, and outreach to marginalized communities. He was known for his efforts to reform the Church, address clergy sexual abuse, and promote peace.

During his tenure, Pope Francis traveled extensively, reaching out to the faithful in numerous countries and calling for peace and unity. His ability to connect with ordinary people, coupled with his leadership in interfaith dialogue, set him apart from many of his predecessors. He often spoke on behalf of refugees, the oppressed, and those suffering from poverty or conflict.