Pope Francis spiritual leader of the Catholic Church passed away on Monday at 7:35 a.m. local time in Vatican City. According to an official Vatican statement he died due to a brain hemorrhage and cardiac arrest.

He was 88 years old and had been suffering from a lung condition for some time. After a month of medical treatment he discharged from the hospital on March 22.

In a break from nearly a millennium of tradition, Pope Francis will not be buried in Vatican City but in Rome — a decision made according to his personal wishes. The funeral will take place on Saturday in a limited, private ceremony, with U.S. President Donald Trump expected to attend.

Vatican has begun the process of selecting a new pope. As per centuries-old Church tradition this process — known as a conclave — carried out in strict secrecy by the College of Cardinals. Currently, there are 252 Catholic cardinals, of whom 135 are eligible to vote. Until a new pope chosen these cardinals will also temporarily oversee the functions of the Church.

The voting takes place inside the Sistine Chapel, with each cardinal casting their ballot in isolation from the outside world. After each vote, ballots burned in designated stove: black smoke signifies no decision has been reached while white smoke indicates a new pope has been elected. Once chosen new pope introduced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pope Francis will be remembered not just for his religious leadership. But also for his vocal stance on global humanitarian issues — particularly his unwavering support for the people of Gaza.

Even during the ongoing Israeli aggression, Pope Francis stayed in regular contact with Gaza’s churches, often calling them daily to check on their well-being. Just one day before his death, he delivered his final Easter Sunday message from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, praying for peace in Gaza and the end of the suffering of Palestinians.

Vatican News later released a video of his final conversation with priests from Gaza’s Holy Family Church. During the call, he inquired about food shortages and the condition of civilians under siege, offering words of empathy and humor to lift spirits. According to Father Gabriel of Holy Family Church, Pope Francis had been calling them almost every evening for the past 18 months to pray and show solidarity.

He consistently donated funds to aid Gaza and vocally condemned violence and injustice in the region. His efforts won him immense respect among Palestinians — both Christian and Muslim — who are now mourning his loss with prayers across Gaza, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem.

Divisive Reactions from Israel

However, Pope Francis’s outspoken support for Palestinians drew sharp criticism from some quarters in Israel. He often labeled as “anti-Semitic” by far-right groups and individuals for his pro-Gaza stance. Following his death, some Israeli social media users celebrated his passing, and there have been reports of certain leaders opposing Israeli participation in his funeral.

Read more: Pope Francis Passes Away at 88 – A Global Spiritual Leader Remembered

Some voices within Israel are even promoting the idea that Israeli officials should boycott the Pope’s final rites, citing his perceived bias against Jewish interests.

A Legacy of Peace

Despite these criticisms, Pope Francis remains a towering figure of peace, compassion, and justice. Across the world, tributes are pouring in from religious leaders, heads of state, and citizens of all faiths. His death marks the end of an era but his legacy lives on in the millions who inspired by his message of unity, mercy, and love for the oppressed.

Many around the world — especially those in Gaza and Palestine — hope that the next Pope will continue this mission of peace and advocacy for the voiceless.