Pope Francis has passed away at 88, Vatican Confirms

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has confirmed. The pontiff passed away peacefully on Easter Monday at 7:35 AM local time in his residence at Casa Santa Marta.

The announcement came earlier this morning from Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who informed the world with deep sorrow:
"At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”

The cardinal continued, paying tribute to a papacy marked by compassion and reform:
"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, made history in 2013 when he became the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, and the first Jesuit ever to assume the papacy.

His leadership brought sweeping changes to the Catholic Church, focusing on inclusion, mercy, and service to the world’s most vulnerable. Often seen as a voice for the voiceless, he placed social justice and climate responsibility at the forefront of the Church's mission.

Pope Francis followed Pope Benedict XVI, who had stepped down in a historic resignation, resulting in an unprecedented era where two popes resided within the Vatican walls.

Though he was in his seventies when elected, Francis led the Church with energy, humility, and conviction for over a decade. He became a global spiritual leader not just for Catholics but for people of many faiths and beliefs.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon as world leaders, faith communities, and millions of faithful begin mourning the loss of a pope who transformed the papacy with simplicity, sincerity, and a deep love for humanity.