Foto: TIZIANA FABI / AFP / Getty Images
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican announced his death on Monday (April 21) morning, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, delivering the news. "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father," said Farrell in a statement, highlighting the pope's lifelong dedication to serving the Lord and the Church.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years. He became the head of the Catholic Church in 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His papacy was marked by efforts to reshape the Church, focusing on issues such as poverty, migration, and environmental protection.
Pope Francis was known for his humble approach, choosing to live in the modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the luxurious papal apartments. He often emphasized compassion and inclusivity, working to soften the Church's stance on social issues like homosexuality and the role of women. However, his tenure was not without challenges, as he faced ongoing scandals related to child sexual abuse within the Church.
His death comes shortly after he was discharged from a hospital in Rome, where he was treated for pneumonia. Despite his health struggles, he made a surprise appearance in St. Peter's Square, delighting the faithful just days before his passing.
The passing of Pope Francis will lead to a period of mourning, followed by a conclave where cardinals under the age of 80 will gather to elect his successor. This process is expected to take two to three weeks.
Papal Conclave To Be Held Following Death Of Pope Francis
(Vatican City) -- Following today's death of Pope Francis, what's known as a conclave will be scheduled to select the next leader of the Catholic Church. As they did when Francis was elected in 2013, eligible cardinals from the College of Cardinals will meet in the Sistine Chapel to vote for a new pope. They'll have no ability to leave or communicate with the outside world until a decision is made. If black smoke rises from the chapel's chimney after a vote count that means there's no decision, white smoke indicates a new pope has been selected. The conclave will likely happen within the next few weeks.
The Vatican is set to begin a period of mourning this evening for Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday (April 21). This marks the start of the "Papal Interregnum," a traditional period between the death of a pope and the election of a new one. The process of selecting a new pontiff is steeped in tradition, with cardinals from around the world gathering for a conclave to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church.
The mourning period, known as the Novendiales, lasts nine days, during which the pope's body will be displayed at St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing. A mass will be held each day, and the pope must be buried between the fourth and sixth day after his death.
Without concrete information, it remains unclear when Pope Francis will be buried. Typically, the Vatican follows a traditional protocol for papal funerals, which includes a period of mourning and a public funeral service at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. However, any specific details about Pope Francis's funeral arrangements have yet to be disclosed.