Pope Francis Dies at 88 After Making Final Easter Appearance

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Pope Francis, the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, died early Monday morning, April 21, at his Vatican residence. He was 88. The Vatican confirmed the news hours after the pope made what would be his final appearance, briefly blessing the faithful from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday.

The cause of death was related to a worsening respiratory illness. Pope Francis had spent more than five weeks in the hospital earlier this year after being diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. The pontiff had experienced a prolonged asthmatic episode and required regular oxygen support in the weeks leading up to his death. Despite the severity of his condition, he remained alert and engaged, even meeting Vice President JD Vance on Easter morning.

A Papacy Shaped by Simplicity and Inclusion

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the son of Italian immigrants and held early jobs as a bouncer and lab technician before entering religious life. He became a Jesuit priest and eventually served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires before being elected pope in 2013 following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation.

Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis broke tradition in ways both symbolic and structural. He chose to live in a modest Vatican guesthouse instead of the lavish papal apartments. He traveled in compact cars rather than limousines and was known to take selfies with pilgrims. More than that, his mission centered on the marginalized: refugees, the poor, and those estranged from church life.

The Holy See’s response to issues such as climate change, immigration, and the global refugee crisis reshaped the tone of the Church. In 2015, he released Laudato Si, a major encyclical on environmental stewardship, urging Catholics to protect “our common home.” His visits to conflict zones, slums, and prisons underscored his desire to bring the Church to the “peripheries,” both geographic and spiritual.

Pope Francis: A Legacy of Reform and Controversy

Pope Francis was not without critics. Traditionalists opposed his willingness to allow blessings for same-sex couples and his critiques of capitalism and clericalism. His decision to downplay the Latin Mass and shift power away from the Roman Curia to local bishops caused unease among conservative factions. Meanwhile, some liberals felt he stopped short of bolder reforms, especially regarding women’s roles in the Church.

Francis’ papacy was also shaped by the Church’s sexual abuse crisis. After early missteps such as defending a Chilean bishop accused of covering up abuse, Francis ultimately reversed course. He apologized publicly, met with survivors, and introduced new rules for reporting abuse and holding bishops accountable, though critics argued these changes didn’t go far enough.

Still, Pope Francis reshaped the College of Cardinals, appointing members from regions historically underrepresented in the Vatican. His selections are expected to influence the outcome of the upcoming papal conclave.

The Vatican Mourns and Prepares for Transition

The Vatican has entered a nine-day mourning period. Pope Francis’ funeral rites, simplified at his request, will take place after his body lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. A date for the funeral Mass has not yet been announced. According to updated papal funeral guidelines approved by Francis himself, the emphasis will be on his role as a humble pastor rather than as a powerful leader.

All cardinals under the age of 80 will soon gather in Rome for the conclave to elect a new pope. The process is expected to begin within two to three weeks. White smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney will signify the election of the next leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.

As the Church prepares for a new chapter, the legacy of Pope Francis will likely shape its direction for decades. He leaves behind a reformed Vatican, a more inclusive church posture, and a world still grappling with the ideals he preached.

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