The Vatican has announced the death of Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. He passed away on Monday at the age of 88, bringing an end to a 12-year papacy marked by humility, reform, and a commitment to global dialogue.
Elected in March 2013 following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis made history as the first pontiff from the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), the first from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere.
His death comes just hours after a meeting with United States Vice President JD Vance and shortly after he made a public appearance in St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, where he addressed thousands of faithful.
Pope Francis had been battling serious health issues in recent months. He was hospitalised on 14 February at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital due to breathing difficulties. The Vatican later confirmed he was suffering from a complex respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia—conditions that severely inflame and scar the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
Despite his declining health, Francis remained active in his final days, continuing his pastoral duties and advocating for peace, environmental stewardship, and compassion for the poor and marginalised.
The Vatican is expected to release further details regarding funeral arrangements and the conclave to elect his successor in the coming days.
