Pope Francis dies at age 88

NN Online :
Pope Francis, the first pope from Latin America whose warmth, humility, and tireless advocacy for the marginalized inspired millions — even as his critiques of capitalism and bold stance on climate change drew criticism from conservatives — died on Monday at the age of 88.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” announced Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican’s camerlengo.

Church bells rang out across Rome as the city mourned the passing of a transformative spiritual leader.

Francis had endured chronic lung issues for much of his life, having lost part of one lung as a young man. On February 14, 2025, he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital with a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. His 38-day hospitalization became the longest of his 12-year papacy.

From the moment he greeted the world with a simple “Buonasera” (“Good evening”) following his election in 2013, Francis signaled a different kind of papacy — one rooted in humility, compassion, and closeness to the poor. His personal touch and emphasis on servant leadership stood in stark contrast to the formality of his predecessors, offering hope to a Church still grappling with scandal and diminished moral authority.

Elected on March 13, 2013, after Pope Benedict XVI’s historic resignation, the Argentine-born Jorge Mario Bergoglio breathed new life into a centuries-old institution, challenging the Church to look outward toward those on society’s margins.

Yet his papacy was not without turbulence. His inclusive approach to LGBTQ+ Catholics, restrictions on traditionalist practices, and progressive rhetoric often clashed with conservative factions within the Church. One of the most difficult episodes of his leadership came in 2018, when his handling of a major clergy abuse case in Chile triggered widespread anger and renewed scrutiny of the Vatican’s accountability.

Known for his personal warmth and connection with the faithful, Francis was often seen embracing refugees, visiting impoverished communities, and prioritizing outreach to those on the periphery of society. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was forced to minister to the world from a quiet, locked-down Vatican.

In one of the most powerful moments of his papacy, Francis stood alone in a rain-slicked St. Peter’s Square in March 2020, addressing a global audience grappling with fear and isolation.

“We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented,” he said. Urging global solidarity, he called the pandemic a moment for deep reflection — a time to reconsider systems that deepen inequality and overlook the vulnerable.