Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church dies aged 88

Vatican announces death of the 266th pontiff, honours his legacy of humility and service

Vatican City – In a solemn announcement on Monday, the Vatican confirmed the passing of Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, at the age of 88. He died at 7:35 a.m. (0535 GMT) in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, following complications from double pneumonia and early-stage kidney insufficiency.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, in a heartfelt message, shared the news with the global Catholic community:

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

He continued, praising the Pope’s life of spiritual leadership:

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”

Health struggles and final months

Pope Francis had been battling health issues for several months. He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after a severe bout of bronchitis, which impaired his ability to speak. His condition soon worsened with a diagnosis of double pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection, including bacterial, viral, and fungal elements. He remained hospitalized for 38 days, marking the longest hospital stay during his 12-year papacy.

Despite his frail health, Pope Francis made a brief public appearance on March 23, waving from the hospital balcony and giving a thumbs-up to a cheering crowd — a poignant moment that would become his last public gesture of resilience.

He returned to the Vatican afterward to undergo two months of prescribed rest, and made a final appearance during Easter Sunday services on April 20, just one day after meeting US Vice President J D Vance.

A legacy of compassion, humility, and reform

Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. Throughout his papacy, he became known for his humility, progressive views, and efforts to reform the Church, especially on issues like climate change, interfaith dialogue, social justice, and outreach to the marginalized.

His choice to live in the modest Casa Santa Marta guesthouse, rather than the Apostolic Palace, symbolized his commitment to humility and simplicity.

Conclave to elect new Pope expected within weeks

According to Vatican protocol, the conclave — the process by which a new pope is elected — will begin 15 to 20 days following the pontiff’s death. Cardinals from around the world will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.

The burial usually happens between the fourth and the sixth day. Popes are usually buried at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, but Francis had said he wanted to be interred in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, outside the Vatican’s walls.

Cardinals, including Australia’s Mykola Bychok, will now be summoned to Rome to choose Francis’s successor.

Once in Rome, cardinals will go through the process of a papal conclave to vote on the next pope.

Cardinals are forbidden from having any contact with anyone outside the conclave, at risk of excommunication.

As the Church prepares for the selection of a new pope, millions across the globe are mourning the loss of a transformational leader whose faith, compassion, and courage left an indelible mark on the 21st century.

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