- A final bow from the first Latin American pope
- Pope Francis passed away early Monday at his residence, Casa Santa Marta.
- He had battled health issues including pneumonia, diabetes, and hypertension.
- Despite his health, he still led Holy Week and Easter events this year.
- He became pope in 2013 as the first Jesuit and Latin American to hold the position.
- The Vatican is preparing for public viewing and a funeral Mass.
- Tributes from global leaders and faith communities are pouring in.
In the quiet hours of Monday morning, Pope Francis, 88, breathed his last at Casa Santa Marta, marking the end of a papacy that reshaped the modern Catholic Church.
The Vatican Health and Hygiene Directorate, under Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, confirmed that the Holy Father’s death resulted from multiple complications tied to his chronic illnesses, including a serious respiratory condition, type II diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Elected in 2013, Pope Francis was a historic figure — the first Jesuit pope, the first from Latin America, and one of the most beloved spiritual leaders of our time. He was known for his simple lifestyle, progressive tone, and deep care for the marginalized.
He made waves globally for his outspoken stand on social justice, his efforts to modernize the church, and his firm belief in climate responsibility.
Despite being seriously ill earlier this year — a five-week hospital stay for a respiratory infection that later developed into pneumonia — the Pope continued to push through his duties.
Doctors reportedly considered withdrawing aggressive treatment, allowing him to pass peacefully. However, the pontiff insisted on participating in the Holy Week and Easter celebrations, drawing cheers from pilgrims who were unaware of the gravity of his condition.
As news of his passing spread, preparations for a public viewing and funeral Mass are in full gear at the Vatican. Already, messages of sympathy and respect are flooding in from world leaders, fellow religious figures, and millions of faithful across the globe.
Pope Francis leaves behind a church that he guided through crises, reform, and renewed compassion — his mark as a pope of the people will be remembered for generations.
