Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff who ministered with a charming, humble style, dies at 88
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff who won hearts worldwide with his humility and devotion to the poor — but drew criticism from conservatives for his views on capitalism and climate change — died Monday at the age of 88.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” announced Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo. Church bells tolled across Rome following the news.
Francis had battled chronic lung disease for years, having lost part of a lung in his youth. In February 2025, he was hospitalized with a severe respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia, leading to a 38-day stay — the longest of his 12-year papacy.
From the moment he greeted the world with a simple “Buonasera” on March 13, 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio set a new tone for the Church. The Argentine-born pope emphasized service, compassion, and humility, working to restore credibility to an institution facing deep scandal and growing global indifference.
His embrace of the marginalized, refugees, and the environment reshaped the Vatican’s global voice, even as it sparked friction within conservative circles.