Pope Francis the spiritual leader of 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide passed away Monday morning at 7:35 am local time at the Vatican. He was 88.

After battling a prolonged lung illness Pope had been discharged from hospital on March 22 following five weeks of treatment for double pneumonia. Since then, he had been avoiding major public gatherings and was noticeably absent from leading the recent Easter services.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires to an Italian immigrant family. Pope Francis became the first Latin American and non-European pope in over a millennium.

A chemist by education and once a nightclub bouncer his journey to the papacy marked by resilience. Ordained Catholic priest in 1969 he later served as Cardinal of Buenos Aires before being elected the 266th pope on March 13, 2013.

Pope Francis took office at a turbulent time for Vatican marred by scandals and internal divisions. He quickly became a symbol of reform, simplicity. And compassion choosing name Francis after Saint Francis of Assisi – breaking tradition and signaling new era for the Church.

His humble lifestyle and outspoken advocacy for people with low-income, migrants. And marginalized earned him titles like “The People’s Pope” and Time Magazine’s “Person of the Year.”

He consistently raised his voice for human rights, social justice, and peace – speaking out against war, inequality and environmental destruction. He played a key role in thawing US–Cuba relations and acted as a mediator in the Colombian peace process.

Pope Francis remained vocal on issues like nuclear disarmament. refugee crises, and the climate emergency. While progressive in many areas he upheld traditional views on topics like abortion and same-sex marriage, maintaining a delicate balance that resonated across ideological divides.

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Despite facing criticism from both conservative and liberal factions within the Church. His moral clarity and deep empathy kept him widely respected. His final public message, delivered from St. Peter’s Square was a heartfelt call for light to overcome hatred, violence, and selfishness in the world.

Tributes have poured in from world leaders and religious figures. White House, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof. And the Archbishop of York have all expressed their condolences, honoring the legacy of a pope who reshaped the global image of the Catholic Church.

As the world mourns Pope Francis his message of unity, love. And humility continues to echo far beyond the walls of the Vatican.