The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has died amid pneumonia recovery.
According to reports, Pope Francis died in the early hours of Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, hours after making a surprising appearance to greet a crowd of more than 35,000 on Sunday.
“Brothers and sisters, happy Easter!” the 88-year-old pope declared from the loggia balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
“I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace!,” he said regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing.
He added, “On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves. For all of us are children of God.”
His death came weeks after he was hospitalised in intensive care at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for more than a month over respiratory problems.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years. His papacy was marked by an emphasis on mercy, humility, and social justice, as well as outspoken advocacy for the poor, migrants, and the environment.
In his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis became a global moral voice, urging a “revolution of tenderness” in a world often marked by conflict and inequality. His encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti received worldwide attention for calling humanity to environmental stewardship and universal fraternity.
As the Church mourns his passing, tributes are already pouring in from leaders around the world. Flags at the Vatican are flying at half-mast, and preparations are underway for a funeral Mass expected to draw millions of mourners and heads of state.
The College of Cardinals will soon convene to begin the formal process of selecting a new pope.
Pope Francis is remembered not only as a spiritual shepherd but as a pope who brought the Church closer to the people — walking with the wounded, reforming institutions, and preaching hope in the face of a changing world.
