Pope Francis, First Latin American Pontiff and Global Voice for the Marginalized, Dies at 88

Pope Francis died on Monday after a prolonged illness. He was 88 and was earlier hospitalized for various ailments, but last week, doctors discharged him after treating him for several weeks. He was the first Latin American pontiff and was considered a voice for the poor. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo. Pope wished people on Easter and held a brief meeting with US Vice President J D Vance yesterday.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, was the first Latin American pontiff and the first pope from the Jesuit order. He was elected pope on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, and chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Throughout his 12-year pontificate, he was widely recognized for his humility, emphasis on mercy, and strong advocacy for the poor and marginalized.

He was a vocal critic of unbridled capitalism, consumerism, and the arms trade, and he made peace, dialogue, and reconciliation central themes of his papacy. Pope Francis was also noted for his commitment to interreligious dialogue and his efforts to address global issues such as climate change, migration, and nuclear disarmament. He made historic visits to conflict zones, including Iraq, and consistently called for ceasefires and humanitarian aid in war-torn regions.

Despite health challenges in his later years, including chronic lung disease and pneumonia, he remained active until shortly before his death at age 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. His final public appearance included an Easter blessing in which he renewed his call for peace worldwide.