Pope Francis Passes Away at 88: A Legacy of Compassion and Reform

Apr 21, 2025 Komal Das

Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Easter Monday at 7:35 AM

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Pope Francis became the head of the Catholic Church in 2013, following the resignation of Benedict XVI

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In recent months, Francis faced bronchitis, bilateral pneumonia, and mild kidney failure, requiring prolonged hospitalization

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He last appeared in public on Easter Sunday and briefly greeted crowds from the Gemelli hospital balcony on March 23

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Cardinal Kevin Farrell said: “With deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis… a true disciple of Jesus”

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Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis was the first South American Pope and a champion of the poor and marginalized

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Francis spoke openly on issues like LGBTQ rights, poverty, climate change, and global inequality—breaking many Vatican norms

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In 2024, he reaffirmed the Church's opposition to gender reassignment, abortion, and surrogacy, sparking mixed reactions

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Francis lived with one lung, battled sciatica, and underwent colon and hernia surgeries, often using a wheelchair in later years

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Over 1.4 billion Catholics globally mourn the loss of a Pope known for humility, reform, and a deep commitment to service

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