Pope Francis, pontiff who ministered with a charming, humble style, dies at 88

Rob Stanson on Apr 20, 2025

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Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. His death marks the end of an era shaped by humility, reform, and a renewed focus on mercy and social justice. The Vatican announced his passing early Monday morning, citing complications from chronic health conditions that had troubled him in recent years.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Pope Francis was ordained as a priest in 1969 and became archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. A Jesuit known for his austere lifestyle and concern for the poor, he was elected the 266th pope in March 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His election marked a series of firsts: the first Jesuit pope, the first from Latin America, and the first to take the name Francis, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was known for championing the marginalized and calling for a Church that is a "field hospital" for the wounded. He urged greater compassion for migrants and refugees, spoke out on climate change and economic inequality, and emphasized inclusivity over doctrinal rigidity. His pastoral style and plainspoken wisdom endeared him to many both inside and outside the Church, even as some of his reforms drew criticism from traditionalists.

Francis also sought to address the clergy sexual abuse crisis with varying degrees of success, apologizing for institutional failures while instituting new accountability measures. His encyclicals, including Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, offered urgent appeals for care of the environment and global fraternity, cementing his reputation as a spiritual leader with a global conscience.

Despite bouts of ill health, including colon surgery and persistent knee issues, Francis remained active until recent months, often appearing in a wheelchair but continuing to preside over liturgies and audiences. His papacy will be remembered for its warmth, its call to mercy, and its bold effort to steer the Church into a more compassionate and engaged future.

A period of official mourning has begun, and preparations are underway for a funeral expected to draw millions of faithful from around the world. Pope Francis is survived by the global Church he helped to transform, leaving behind a legacy of humanity, humility, and hope.

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This article was created, in part, utilizing AI tools.