World Mourns as Pope Francis Dies at 88 — Follow Live Updates
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Pope Francis Dies at 88, Leaving a Church at a Crossroads
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in modern Catholic history, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican announced his passing early Monday morning, marking the end of a historic and often polarizing papacy that sought to bring the Roman Catholic Church closer to the people it serves — especially the poor, the marginalized, and those on society’s periphery.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, an American of Irish descent who now assumes temporary administrative duties for the Vatican, announced the news solemnly: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
The pope’s death prompted a wave of mourning in St. Peter’s Square, where Catholics from across the world gathered in silence, many in tears. Global leaders offered condolences and tributes, recognizing Francis for his humility, compassion, and deep concern for social justice. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called him “a great man and a great pastor,” while French President Emmanuel Macron praised him for bringing hope to the world’s poor. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said he had “inspired millions” far beyond the Church.
Francis’ pontificate, which began in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, was groundbreaking in its tone and priorities. He rejected the opulence of the papal apartments, choosing instead to live in a modest guesthouse. He turned the Church’s focus toward issues like climate change, refugee crises, and income inequality, often steering clear of culture war flashpoints. His 2015 environmental encyclical Laudato Si’ made waves for its bold critique of capitalism’s ecological and social costs.
Now, the global community of over one billion Catholics awaits the decision of the College of Cardinals — more than half of whom were appointed by Francis himself. The choice they make in the coming weeks will determine whether the Church continues Francis’ push toward openness or reverts to a more traditional, doctrinaire stance.
Though Francis made meaningful efforts to address the Church’s long-running sexual abuse crisis and financial mismanagement, these issues remained persistent shadows over his tenure. He launched reforms and created commissions, but critics often questioned their effectiveness or follow-through.
Despite health struggles in recent years — including a serious bout of pneumonia just weeks ago — Francis remained active in his final days. He blessed crowds from a balcony on Easter Sunday and even visited a prison on Holy Thursday, though he could not perform the traditional foot-washing ceremony due to frailty.
With his passing, the Vatican has entered the sede vacante period, the interregnum between pontiffs. In accordance with ancient tradition, the camerlengo has begun formal proceedings by removing and destroying the papal ring, sealing Francis’ chambers, and preparing the pope’s body to lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. His funeral will follow a simplified version of the ceremony he revised in 2024 — foregoing the triple coffin for a single wooden casket lined with zinc.
As cardinals prepare to gather in Rome to elect the next pope, the world reflects on a papacy that challenged convention, championed compassion, and left a Church forever changed — yet still uncertain about its future path.
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