Pope Francis passes away at 88

"At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father's house."
Text: Óscar Ontañón Docal
Published 2025-04-21

The latest news on Vatican City. Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff in history, has passed away at 88, marking the end of a papacy defined by deep reformist intentions and a steadfast commitment to the marginalised, the Vatican announced on Monday.

Rising from the streets of Buenos Aires to the pinnacle of the Catholic Church in 2013, Pope Francis became a symbol of humility and spiritual renewal. His later years were increasingly marred by health setbacks that forced him into extended periods of recovery.

Still, he kept a gentle presence in the public eye, recently appearing from a hospital balcony with a hopeful smile. Loved by many as the People's Pope, he sought to make the Church more inclusive, reaching out to the marginalised and urging compassion over judgment.

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Rest in peace, Pope Francis

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