Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at age 88 after battling multiple health issues during his 12-year tenure, the Vatican confirmed in a video statement on Monday.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in the statement. “This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.”
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The pope’s death comes just one day after he made a surprise public appearance on Easter Sunday, his first extended engagement since being released from a 38-day hospital stay for severe pneumonia in March. He had appeared visibly weakened but greeted cheering crowds from his popemobile in St. Peter’s Square and delivered a brief blessing.
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, made history in 2013 when he became the first pope from the Americas, as well as the first Jesuit to assume the papacy. He chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, signaling a papacy focused on the poor, peace, and environmental stewardship.
As the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics now mourn his death, the Church prepares for the solemn transition to its next leader, whose election will take place in a conclave shaped largely by Francis himself.