By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
VATICAN CITY โ Pope Francis, the 266th pope and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican announced his passing occurred at 7:35 a.m. local time on Monday, April 21, following complications from pneumonia and related health issues.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he made history as the first Jesuit, the first Latin American, and the first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years. Since his election in 2013, he championed major reforms, social justice, environmental stewardship, and greater inclusivity within the Church.
Widely respected for his humility and vocal stance on global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and migration, Pope Francis remained active despite recent health challenges. He made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday to offer a blessing in St. Peterโs Square.
With his death, the Church enters the sede vacante โ the period without a pope. The College of Cardinals, now largely composed of Francisโ appointees, will soon convene to select the next pope.
Funeral plans are underway, and in accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be laid to rest in a simple wooden coffin, rejecting elaborate traditional rites.
His passing marks the end of a pivotal papacy that reshaped the global Church and left a lasting legacy xenodocuments.org.ua.
