Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at 88 after a prolonged illness, the Vatican confirmed on Monday. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he served as pontiff since 2013 and was widely regarded as a reformist and voice for the marginalized.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” His passing comes just a day after his appearance at the Easter Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, despite recent health setbacks including double pneumonia and early-stage kidney issues.

Francis will be buried at Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, fulfilling his wish to rest outside Vatican grounds. He also chose a single wooden-zinc coffin over the traditional triple-coffin burial.

During his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis reshaped the Church’s voice on social justice, the environment, and inclusion. He appointed women to Vatican leadership, welcomed same-sex blessings, and led 47 international visits to over 65 countries.

His death initiates the papal conclave process, expected within 15 to 20 days. Until then, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, as camerlengo, will oversee Vatican affairs.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at 88 after a prolonged illness, the Vatican confirmed on Monday. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he served as pontiff since 2013 and was widely regarded as a reformist and voice for the marginalized.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” His passing comes just a day after his appearance at the Easter Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, despite recent health setbacks including double pneumonia and early-stage kidney issues.

Francis will be buried at Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, fulfilling his wish to rest outside Vatican grounds. He also chose a single wooden-zinc coffin over the traditional triple-coffin burial.

During his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis reshaped the Church’s voice on social justice, the environment, and inclusion. He appointed women to Vatican leadership, welcomed same-sex blessings, and led 47 international visits to over 65 countries.

His death initiates the papal conclave process, expected within 15 to 20 days. Until then, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, as camerlengo, will oversee Vatican affairs.