Pope Francis dies at 88 after illness

Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff, passed away on 21 April 2025, at the age of 88.
His death followed a prolonged health crisis that began in February 2025, when he was hospitalized with double pneumonia and bronchitis
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Francis was elected pope on 13 March 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. His papacy was marked by efforts to modernize the Church, emphasizing mercy, inclusivity, and social justice. He advocated for the poor, supported civil unions for same-sex couples, and called for the abolition of the death penalty.
Despite his progressive stance, Francis faced criticism from conservative factions within the Church. His reforms, including increased roles for women and outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics, were met with resistance from traditionalists.
In recent years, Francis’s health declined due to respiratory issues and mobility problems. He had part of a lung removed in his youth and underwent colon surgery in 2021.In February 2025, he was hospitalized with a respiratory infection and later diagnosed with early-stage kidney failure.
Following his death, the Vatican announced that the traditional papal funeral rites would be simplified, and Francis would be buried in a simple wooden casket at Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, reflecting his desire for humility.
Pope Francis’s passing marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church. His legacy of compassion, reform, and commitment to social justice will continue to influence the Church and the world.