Pope Francis Dies at 88 After Battle with Pneumonia
Rome, Italy – His Holiness Pope Francis, the revered head of the global Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, and the Vatican announced late today.
The pontiff passed away peacefully at his residence after a prolonged battle with double pneumonia.
The Holy See Press Office confirmed the death, stating that the Holy Father had been receiving intensive medical care in recent weeks for a severe respiratory infection.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis was elected the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church on March 13, 2013.
He was the first Jesuit Pope, the first from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere.
Over his more than decade-long papacy, he championed humility, social justice, environmental protection, and outreach to the poor and marginalized, significantly shaping the direction and public image of the Church.
His death triggers the customary “Sede Vacante” period, during which the College of Cardinals temporarily governs the Church.
Preparations will immediately begin for his state funeral, an event expected to draw world leaders and millions of faithful to Rome.
Following the period of mourning and the funeral rites, the College of Cardinals will convene in the Sistine Chapel for a Papal Conclave to elect Pope Francis’s successor.
News of his passing sent waves of sorrow across Vatican City and around the world. Church bells in Rome and numerous cities began to toll in his memory shortly after the announcement.
Tributes have begun pouring in from global leaders, heads of state, and faith leaders, acknowledging his significant moral influence and tireless work for peace and dialogue.
Pope Francis had faced several health challenges in recent years, including intestinal surgery and recurring bouts of respiratory issues, but had largely maintained a rigorous travel and audience schedule until his recent illness worsened.
His legacy is marked by efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy, address clerical sexual abuse, bridge divides within the Church, and engage with contemporary global issues.
He was widely seen as a compassionate and humble leader dedicated to bringing the Church closer to the people, particularly those on the margins of society.
His death leaves a profound void for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics and marks the end of an era defined by his unique pastoral approach and call for a more inclusive and merciful Church.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements and the timeline for the conclave are expected to be announced by the Vatican in the coming days.
Tolu Adebayo
Reporter/ Social Media Manager
