Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88.

His passing marks the end of a papacy defined by bold gestures, compassionate outreach, and a determined push to modernize aspects of the Church while preserving its spiritual core.

Known for his humility, his deep concern for the marginalized, and his call for mercy over judgment, Pope Francis captured the world’s attention not just as a religious leader, but as a global moral voice.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.

He was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years.

From the outset, he signaled a different kind of leadership.

He chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, a symbol of humility and care for the poor.

His papal motto, “Miserando atque eligendo,” reflected his belief in God’s mercy and his own calling to serve.

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis made headlines for actions that defied expectations and traditions.

He refused to live in the lavish Apostolic Palace, opting instead for a modest suite in the Vatican guesthouse.

He was often seen carrying his own briefcase, phoning ordinary people who wrote him letters, and washing the feet of prisoners, women, and Muslims during Holy Week.

These gestures were not just symbolic—they were statements about the kind of Church he envisioned: one close to the people, especially the poor and forgotten.

Pope Francis led the Catholic Church through a decade of challenges and changes.

He prioritized issues such as climate change, economic inequality, migration, and peacebuilding.

His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ called for urgent global action to protect the environment and criticized consumerism and irresponsible development.

He was also a key advocate in supporting refugees and migrants, urging countries to welcome them with compassion and solidarity.

His repeated visits to refugee camps and his emotional speeches on their behalf showed his commitment to those on society’s margins.

On internal Church matters, Pope Francis initiated reforms that many had long considered overdue.

He streamlined the Vatican bureaucracy, known as the Roman Curia, to increase transparency and accountability.

He also addressed the ongoing clerical abuse crisis, implementing new policies to hold bishops and religious superiors accountable, although critics argued that more decisive action was still needed.

His approach emphasized listening to victims and promoting a culture of prevention within the Church.

Francis also opened discussions around controversial issues, encouraging dialogue rather than dogma.

He famously said, “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gay priests, a remark that was seen as a watershed moment for the Church’s relationship with the LGBTQ+ community.

Though he did not change core doctrines, he shifted the tone of the Church to be more inclusive and less condemnatory.

His support for civil unions for same-sex couples and his outreach to divorced and remarried Catholics highlighted his pastoral focus on accompaniment over exclusion.

The Synod on the Amazon in 2019 and the ongoing Synod on Synodality, which sought to give laypeople, especially women, more voice in Church decisions, reflected his vision of a more participatory Church.

He also championed interreligious dialogue, becoming the first pope to visit the Arabian Peninsula and signing a landmark declaration on human fraternity with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Abu Dhabi.

In his final years, Pope Francis’s health became a matter of concern.

He underwent colon surgery in 2021 and used a wheelchair in public appearances due to knee problems.

Despite these limitations, he remained active, traveling to conflict zones like Iraq and South Sudan, and continuing his reform efforts.

His resilience in the face of physical decline became yet another testament to his commitment to service.

While his papacy was not without critics—some conservative factions viewed his openness as doctrinal ambiguity, and progressives sometimes felt frustrated by his cautious pace—Pope Francis remained a widely respected and beloved figure across ideological lines.

He brought a warmth and humanity to the papacy that resonated with Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

His emphasis on mercy, simplicity, and care for the “least of these” helped restore moral credibility to an institution rocked by scandal and declining influence.

World leaders have begun to react to the news of his death with tributes pouring in.

Many recall his efforts to promote peace, human dignity, and environmental stewardship.

Religious leaders of all faiths have also expressed condolences, underscoring his legacy as a bridge-builder in a divided world.

With Pope Francis’s death, the Catholic Church enters a new period of mourning and transition.

A conclave will be convened in Rome in the coming weeks to elect his successor, who will inherit not only the weight of tradition but the complex and sometimes conflicting expectations of the global Catholic community.

Yet no matter who follows him, Pope Francis’s legacy will endure in the millions of lives he touched and the path he forged toward a more merciful, just, and compassionate Church.

He often described the Church as a “field hospital after battle,” where healing and love were more important than rules and judgment.

As the world reflects on his life and impact, those words now echo as a final testament to a pope who reimagined what it means to lead not by power, but by example.