A World Mourns: Pope Francis Dies at 88

Pope Francis, the 88-year-old head of more than a billion Catholics, has passed away, leaving a heritage of peace and kindness.

Pope Francis, who was the inaugural Latin American head of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88, according to a video statement released by the Vatican on Monday.

He was 88 and had suffered various ailments in his 12-year papacy.

“Cardinal Kevin Farrell stated in a message released by the Vatican on its Telegram channel that ‘this morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, has returned to the home of the Father.'”

Speaking on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis delivered a powerful message advocating for freedom of thought and tolerance. Addressing a crowd of over 35,000, he delegated the reading of his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, which underscored the necessity of religious freedom, free expression, and mutual respect for achieving peace. The speech also voiced concerns over rising anti-Semitism and the dire circumstances in Gaza.

Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy defined by profound humility and unwavering compassion for the poor. His approachable demeanor and genuine empathy resonated globally, earning him widespread admiration. Elected in 2013, he ushered in a new era of simplicity for the papacy. His deep commitment to the marginalized, evidenced by frequent visits to impoverished communities, solidified his reputation as “the pope of the slums,” advocating for social justice and positioning the Church as a sanctuary for the overlooked. 

He made waves for welcoming migrants, LGBTQ Catholics, and others often excluded by the Church.

What lies ahead for the Vatican

The College of Cardinals, the Church’s most senior officials worldwide, chooses the pope. Following a pope’s death or resignation, the cardinals are summoned to the Vatican for the papal election or conclave.

The election of a new pope, or conclave, traditionally begins 15 to 20 days after a pope’s death, providing time for mourning and the gathering of cardinals in Rome. The cardinals convene in the Sistine Chapel for this historic event, as stated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Just prior to Easter, Pope Francis was released from hospital on March 23, after a five-week stay for pneumonia. Due to his health, he delegated most Holy Week ceremonies, including the Stations of the Cross and the Easter vigil. Francis, the first pope from the Americas, also distinguished himself by living outside the Vatican’s apostolic palace.