Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and its first Jesuit pontiff, died on Monday morning in Rome at the age of 88.
The Vatican confirmed his death at 7:35 a.m. following complications from pneumonia that developed after a bout of bronchitis earlier this year.
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became pope in March 2013 after the resignation of Benedict XVI.
His elevation marked a series of firsts—first pope from the Americas, first Jesuit to lead the Church and the first to take the name Francis in reference to Saint Francis of Assisi.
From the beginning of his papacy, Francis positioned himself as a reformer focused on humility, compassion and inclusivity.
He rejected the papal apartments in favor of modest accommodation at the Vatican guesthouse and frequently spoke on global inequality, climate change and social justice.
His statement “Who am I to judge” regarding gay priests in 2013 set the tone for a papacy that sought to modernize the Church’s approach to sensitive issues.
Francis was known for his off-script communication style and emphasis on outreach to the marginalized.
His visit to Iraq in 2021 marked the first time a pope had entered the country and his 2015 address to the U.S. Congress urged lawmakers to focus on poverty, immigration and global equity.
Despite his global popularity and progressive rhetoric, Francis faced institutional resistance and struggled to implement deep structural reforms within the Vatican.
While he lifted the veil of secrecy over clerical abuse and attempted to introduce greater accountability critics argue his efforts did not go far enough.
The pope was also criticized for his initial handling of the Cardinal McCarrick scandal and for perceived inaction in fully addressing new waves of abuse cases that surfaced during his tenure.
He did, however, make progress on Vatican financial transparency, pushing reforms within the Curia and realigning the College of Cardinals to include greater representation from Asia, Africa and Latin America.
These changes increase the likelihood of a non-European successor following his death.
Francis’ final public appearance came on Sunday during a private meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance just hours before his health deteriorated.
His passing has triggered the start of preparations for a papal conclave where his successor will be chosen.
Born December 17, 1936, Francis was raised in a working-class family of Italian immigrants in Buenos Aires. He entered the Society of Jesus in his early twenties following a serious lung infection that resulted in the removal of part of his right lung.
After earning degrees in philosophy and theology, he was ordained in 1969 and later became head of the Jesuits in Argentina during the country’s military dictatorship.
Francis’ early years in Church leadership were marked by a period of personal and political crisis culminating in a six-year exile in Cordoba where he adopted a more reflective and humble leadership style.
He was appointed a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II and gained global attention for his work with the poor and outspoken criticism of consumerism.
Following his election as pope Francis consistently called for a Church that is poor and for the poor. He advocated for debt relief for developing nations reform in global financial systems and urgent climate action. His 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si” framed environmental protection as a moral obligation.
As the world reacts to his passing, tributes continue to pour in from global leaders, religious communities and civil society. Vatican officials have not yet announced the date for the funeral or the conclave to elect the next pope.
Pope Francis leaves behind a complex legacy defined by attempts to bring change to a centuries-old institution while grappling with its deeply entrenched challenges.
His decade-long papacy reshaped the global perception of the Church and set in motion debates that will shape its future for years to come.
