Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a spiritual leader to more than a billion Catholics worldwide, has died at the age of 88 following a cerebral stroke that resulted in a coma and irreversible heart failure. His passing marks the end of a historic and deeply impactful papacy.
Francis will be laid to rest in a modest underground tomb beneath the Basilica of St. Mary Major—an appropriately simple resting place for a pope widely known for humility, accessibility, and deep concern for the marginalized. His tenure was defined by a focus on mercy, human dignity, and outreach to communities long overlooked.
Over the course of his papacy, Francis worked to address the clergy abuse crisis, streamline the Vatican’s bureaucracy, and emphasize compassion at every level of the Church. His efforts to reach across cultural and religious divides earned praise from millions, even as challenges remained.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, serving as Camerlengo, has assumed temporary leadership of the Church and confirmed the Pope’s passing. Farrell will oversee Vatican operations and preparations for the papal conclave, where the College of Cardinals will gather to select the next pope.
Francis leaves behind a lasting mark on the Catholic Church—one rooted in humility, justice, and love for the poor. As the Church enters a period of mourning and transition, the faithful around the world reflect on a pope who called for grace in a world that often lacked it.