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.