The world mourns Pope Francis, the transformative first Latin American pontiff, who died at 88, with global tributes and a nine-day mourning period ahead of a conclave.

The world is grieving the loss of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, who died aged 88.

Known as The People’s Pope, he championed mercy, humility, and compassion throughout his 12-year papacy.

Leaders across the globe, including President Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have paid tribute to his lasting legacy. A nine-day mourning period begins, followed by the election of a new Pope via conclave at the Vatican.

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Pope Francis, aged 88, dies from double pneumonia, leaving a legacy of compassion and inclusion as the Church’s first Latin American and Jesuit leader.

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, following complications from double pneumonia. The Vatican confirmed his death on Monday morning, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell announcing that “the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father” at 7:35am.

The first Latin American and Jesuit Pope, Francis led the Roman Catholic Church for over a decade, earning global praise for his humility, progressive stance, and focus on inclusion and compassion.

Just days before his passing, the Pope surprised crowds at Easter Sunday Mass, blessing worshippers in St Peter’s Square. Despite recent hospitalisation with bronchitis, he appeared in good spirits, even pausing to bless children from the Popemobile.

His death has triggered nine days of mourning in Italy. Leaders around the world have paid tribute. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called him a man “whose compassion embraced all humanity,” while Opposition Leader Peter Dutton described his devotion as unwavering.

Francis will be remembered not only as a man of many firsts — the first Jesuit Pope, the first from the Global South — but also as a tireless advocate for the poor, refugees, and marginalised communities.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope, dies at 88 after 12 years of tackling division and reform in the Church.

View of St. Peter’s Square following Pope Francis’ death https://t.co/PEJU0kOTSe

— Reuters (@Reuters) April 21, 2025

In Short

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at 88 after a 12-year papacy marked by reform attempts and health issues.

His passing initiates a period of mourning and the process for selecting his successor.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away.

The Vatican confirmed his death in a video statement released on Monday. His papacy lasted for 12 years and was characterised by both division and tension.

“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican’s TV channel.

“At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

Concern for the poor

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013, surprising many Church watchers who had seen the Argentine cleric, known for his concern for the poor, as an outsider.

Pope Francis sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church, which faced criticism for its traditional practices.

At the age of 88, he had been dealing with several health issues during his time as pope. His leadership style often challenged the status quo within the Church.

Pope Francis’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the Vatican.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013, surprising many Church watchers who had seen the Argentine cleric, known for his concern for the poor, as an outsider.

The global Catholic community will now enter a period of mourning and reflection. The process for selecting his successor will soon begin.

Carries the weight of the changes he proposed during his tenure.