Pope Francis, the transformative and progressive leader of the Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88.
His final days were spent battling a respiratory infection that developed into pneumonia. The Vatican has announced that his body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica during the official mourning period before his burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, was the first pope from outside Europe in over 1,300 years. Over his 12-year tenure, he championed progressive stances on social issues, advocating for environmental reforms, extending compassion toward divorcees and same-sex couples, and even allowing transgender individuals to be baptised under certain circumstances. Despite these modernisations, he remained unwavering in his opposition to abortion.
His papacy was marked by both admiration and controversy, including his handling of sexual abuse scandals within the Church and scrutiny over his role during Argentina’s military dictatorship. His humanitarian efforts, global outreach, and commitment to addressing issues of inequality made him one of the most influential popes of the modern era.
The Conclave to choose his successor is expected to take place in at least 15 days, as Catholics worldwide reflect on Francis’s legacy and impact on the Church.
