By Agency Report

Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88.

The Vatican confirmed that he passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Monday, April 21, following a lengthy battle with pneumonia and related complications.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit, first Latin American, and first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years. Elected in 2013, his papacy was marked by a bold push for reform, social justice, environmental advocacy, and efforts to make the Church more inclusive.

He was known for his humility and outspokenness on global issues, including climate change, inequality, and migration. Despite health setbacks in recent years, Pope Francis made a final brief appearance on Easter Sunday, delivering a blessing to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square.

With his passing, the Catholic Church enters the traditional sede vacante period. The College of Cardinals will now prepare for a conclave to elect his successor — a decision likely shaped by Francis’ own appointments, who now make up the majority of voting cardinals.

Funeral arrangements are underway, with Vatican officials stating Pope Francis will be buried in a plain wooden casket per his wishes — forgoing traditional ornate customs.

The world now mourns a historic and transformative figure whose legacy will shape the Church for decades to come.