Pope Francis, the 266th Catholic Church leader who tried to position the church to be more inclusive, has died. He was 88.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.”
Born in Buenos Aires in 1936, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit and first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church. His papacy was marked by a commitment to social justice, humility, and outreach to marginalized communities. He advocated for migrants, addressed climate change, and supported civil unions for same-sex couples.
Despite facing health challenges, including a partial lung removal in his youth and recent bouts of pneumonia, Pope Francis remained active in his duties. His final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, where he delivered a blessing in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Francis’s legacy is one of compassion, reform, and a dedication to bringing the Church closer to the people. His death marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church.
