Key Points:
- Pope Francis has died at age 88, the Vatican announced on Monday.
- Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed he passed at 7:55 a.m. local time in the Vatican.
- Pope Francis was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church.
- He visited Canada in July 2022, stopping in Alberta, Quebec, and Nunavut.
Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff, dies at age 88. Pope Francis, the first Latin American and first Jesuit pope in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed on Monday. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced that the Bishop of Rome passed away at 7:55 a.m. local time. The news marks the end of a historic papacy characterised by efforts toward reform, outreach to the marginalised, and a global focus on compassion and humility.
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, led the Church from 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI after his resignation — an unusual occurrence in modern Catholic history.
What were the details surrounding Pope Francis’ death?
According to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Pope Francis died peacefully in the Vatican early Monday morning. The official time of death was recorded as 7:55 a.m. local time. Further details about the immediate cause of death have not yet been made public.
Who was Pope Francis?
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013. His election was historic — he was the first pope from Latin America and the first member of the Jesuit order to ascend to the papacy.
Throughout his tenure, Pope Francis became known for his emphasis on humility, inclusiveness, and social justice. He consistently advocated for the poor, spoke out on environmental issues, and urged global cooperation to tackle climate change and inequality.
What were some of Pope Francis’ significant moments?
One of the notable moments in Pope Francis’ papacy was his visit to Canada from 24 to 29 July 2022. During this trip, he visited the provinces of Alberta and Quebec and the territory of Nunavut, focusing particularly on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples over the Catholic Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system.
Another defining characteristic of his leadership was his approachability and modernisation efforts within the Church, including discussions on LGBTQ+ inclusion, interfaith dialogue, and reforms within the Vatican bureaucracy.
What happens next following Pope Francis’ death?
Following the death of a pope, traditional Vatican procedures will unfold. These include the “novemdiales” — nine days of mourning — and preparations for the conclave, where cardinals will gather to elect the next pope.
The Vatican is expected to release further details about funeral arrangements and ceremonies in the coming hours. Global leaders and millions of Catholics around the world are anticipated to pay their respects and reflect on Pope Francis’ legacy.
How is the world reacting to the death of Pope Francis?
While official global reactions are still emerging, initial responses reflect deep mourning across the Catholic community and beyond. His emphasis on compassion, dialogue, and humility left an indelible mark not just on the Church, but on international humanitarian discourse.
