Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Monday.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. His election marked a historic moment for the Church, as he was the first pope from the Americas and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years.
Known for his humility, compassion, and reform-minded leadership, Pope Francis gained global recognition for his efforts to modernize the Church, advocate for the poor, and address pressing global issues such as climate change, migration, and social justice.
Throughout his papacy, he emphasized a message of mercy over judgment and encouraged dialogue among religions. His famous phrase, “Who am I to judge?” became a symbol of his more inclusive approach to Catholic doctrine.
The Vatican has not yet released details regarding funeral arrangements, but world leaders and religious figures have already begun paying tribute to his legacy.
