Pope Francis, the 88-year-old spiritual leader to more than a billion Catholics, has passed away, leaving a profound legacy of peace and compassion.
Pope Francis, the Roman Catholic Church’s first Latin American leader, died at 88, the Vatican announced in a video statement on Monday.
“This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.
During his Easter Sunday address, Pope Francis called for freedom of thought and greater tolerance. After greeting a crowd of over 35,000 from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he entrusted the reading of the traditional Urbi et Orbi (‘To the City and the World’) blessing to an aide.
In his address, he stated that true peace requires freedom of religion, thought, and expression, along with respect for others’ views. He also condemned rising anti-Semitism and called the situation in Gaza ‘dramatic and deplorable.
Legacy of Pope Francis
Renowned for his humility and compassion toward the poor, Pope Francis gained global admiration. Elected in 2013 following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, he brought a modest and refreshing presence to the papacy.
Often referred to as ‘the pope of the slums,’ Francis was known for his unwavering dedication to the poor and marginalized. From his time in Argentina to his years as pope, he frequently visited impoverished communities, championing social justice and the Church’s responsibility to support the forgotten and oppressed.
He made waves for welcoming migrants, LGBTQ Catholics, and others often excluded by the Church.
What’s next for the Vatican
The pope is selected by the College of Cardinals, the highest-ranking officials in the Church. After a pope’s death or resignation, the cardinals gather at the Vatican to participate in the papal election, known as the conclave.
The conclave usually starts 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death to allow time for mourning and for all cardinals to arrive in Rome. As per the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the cardinals are brought together at the historic Sistine Chapel at the Vatican for the papal election.
