Pope Francis, the esteemed head of the Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88. The news was confirmed early Monday by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo of the Church. In a statement of profound sorrow, Cardinal Farrell shared, “With deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 AM, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” He added that Pope Francis devoted his life to serving the Lord and His Church, living out the Gospel’s values with courage, fidelity, and love, particularly for the poor and marginalized.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, had been battling bilateral pneumonia for an extended period. He was recently discharged from the hospital on March 23. Known for his humility and compassion, he made history as the first pope from the Jesuit Order, the first from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere. He became the leader of the Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
His passing marks the end of an era of compassionate leadership, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire countless followers of faith.
