Pope Francis has died aged 88, the Vatican confirmed on Monday morning. The Argentine-born pontiff, who led the Catholic Church since 2013, passed away at 7.35am, following ongoing health complications.
In a statement, Cardinal Kevin Farrell said: “With deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis… His life was devoted to the Lord and His Church, especially the poor and marginalised.”
Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and Latin American pope, succeeded Pope Benedict XVI, who had stepped down in a rare resignation.
The Vatican had recently reported a decline in his health. On 14 February, he was hospitalised with bronchitis. Later updates revealed bilateral pneumonia, anaemia, and kidney complications.
A conclave of cardinals will now be called, typically held 15–20 days after a pope’s death, to elect his successor.
Francis was widely praised for his humility, advocacy for the environment, and efforts to reform the Church.