Pope Francis, the religious leader of the 1.4 billion Catholic population across the globe, died at the age of 88, leaving his followers deeply saddened.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, confirmed his death, and said in a statement, "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

The Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospita on 14, 2025, after suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days.

Vatican City said Pope Francis’ clinical situation gradually worsened, and his doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on February 18.

After 38 days in hospital, the late Pope returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.

He died a day after Christians observed Easter Sunday when he made his final appearance at the Vatican's St Peter's Square to wish "Happy Easter" to thousands of worshippers.

Pope Francis, who was known for his simplicity and was credited with changing the face of modern papacy more than his predecessors, assumed the top religious post in 2013 after Benedict XVI resigned.

Pope Francis, who had often suffered due to health-related issues during his tenure, was the first Latin American Pope of the world in 1300 years.

According to reports, Pope Francis' attempt to make the Catholic Church more inclusive and less judgmental had drawn the ire of the conservatives.

World Leaders Mourn

Several world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian PM Narendra Modi, condoled his death by posting their messages on the social media platforms.

Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: "From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. To unite people with one another and with nature. May this hope be reborn endlessly beyond him."

"To all Catholics, to a grieving world, my wife and I send our thoughts," he said.

Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz said: "The death of Pope Francis fills me with great sadness. Francis will be remembered for his tireless commitment to the weakest in society, to justice and reconciliation. Humility and faith in God's mercy guided him in this. In doing so, the first Latin American to sit on the Holy See touched people worldwide, across denominational boundaries. My thoughts at this time are with the faithful around the world who have lost their Holy Father. May he rest in peace."

In her message, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis."

"He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate," she said.

New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon wrote: "I am saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis. A man of humility, his legacy includes an unwavering commitment to the vulnerable, to social justice and to interfaith dialogue."

The White House said: "Rest in Peace, Pope Francis"

American Vice President JD Vance, who was one of the last world leaders to meet Pope Francis, wrote on X: " I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him."

"I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful," he said.

Indian PM Narendra Modi shared image of his earlier meeting with the Pope and wrote on X: "Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope."

"I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace," he said.

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni said the news of Pope's demise left the nation deeply saddened.

"Pope Francis has returned to the house of the Father. This news saddens us deeply, because a great man and a great pastor have left us. I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering. In the meditations of the Via Crucis, he reminded us of the power of the gift, which makes everything flourish again and is capable of reconciling what in the eyes of man is irreconcilable. And he asked the world, once again, for the courage to change direction, to follow a path that 'does not destroy, but cultivates, repairs, protects'."

"We will walk in this direction, to seek the path of peace, pursue the common good and build a more just and equal society. His teaching and his legacy will not be lost. We greet the Holy Father with hearts full of sadness, but we know that he is now in the peace of the Lord," she said.

Argentina To Vatican City

 Born in Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis attended a technical high school and worked for a while as a chemical technician at a food laboratory, before deciding to become a priest.

On March 11, 1958, he entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus. He completed his studies of the humanities in Chile and returned to Argentina in 1963 to graduate with a degree in philosophy from the Colegio de San José in San Miguel. From 1964 to 1965 he taught literature and psychology at Immaculate Conception College in Santa Fé and in 1966 he taught the same subject at the Colegio del Salvatore in Buenos Aires. From 1967-70 he studied theology and obtained a degree from the Colegio of San José, read the official website.

On December 13, 1969, he was ordained a priest by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano.

He continued his training between 1970 and 1971 at the University of Alcalá de Henares, Spain, and on 22 April 1973 made his final profession with the Jesuits.

Back in Argentina, he was a novice master at Villa Barilari, San Miguel; professor at the Faculty of Theology of San Miguel; consultor to the Province of the Society of Jesus and also Rector of the Colegio Máximo of the Faculty of Philosophy and Theology.

On July 31, 1973, he was appointed Provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina, an office he held for six years. He then resumed his work in the university sector and from 1980 to 1986 served once again as Rector of the Colegio de San José, as well as parish priest, again in San Miguel. 

In March 1986, he went to Germany to finish his doctoral thesis; his superiors then sent him to the Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Aires and next to the Jesuit Church in the city of Córdoba as spiritual director and confessor.

He was elected Supreme Pontiff on 13 March 2013.