News Editor
By David Odama
Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church and Bishop of Rome since 2013, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed early this morning. His death was announced in a statement by Cardinal Kevin Farrell:
“At 7:35 a.m. 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 His Church.” Cardinal Farrell described him as a true disciple who championed the poor and marginalised and lived the Gospel with fidelity and courage.
The first pope from South America and the first Jesuit pontiff, Pope Francis—born Jorge Mario Bergoglio—was widely seen as the “People’s Pope.” He was known for his humility, progressive stance on social issues, and efforts to reform the Church. He made international headlines in 2013 when he said of gay clergy,
“If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge them?” Despite this, his stance came under scrutiny in 2024 after he endorsed Dignitas Infinita, reaffirming Church opposition to gender reassignment, surrogacy, abortion, and euthanasia.
He also faced backlash over reports alleging he used a homophobic slur behind closed doors.
In recent years, Pope Francis struggled with declining health. On February 14, he was hospitalized with bronchitis, later developing bilateral pneumonia and early-stage kidney failure.
He remained in hospital for 38 days, emerging only briefly in March to wave at supporters from a hospital balcony. While his pneumonia was treated successfully, doctors continued to monitor him closely for ongoing respiratory issues. His health had been a concern for years—he had part of a lung removed in his youth and later underwent surgeries on his colon and intestine. Mobility issues and sciatica also forced him to use a cane or wheelchair, and he missed major Church events, including last year’s Good Friday procession.
Despite these limitations, Francis remained active in his papal duties, meeting global leaders and speaking out on pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and migration. In 2016, he famously washed the feet of Muslim, Hindu, and Christian refugees at an asylum center outside Rome, symbolising unity and humility.
The conclave to elect his successor is expected to begin within 15 to 20 days. His passing marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church, leaving 1.4 billion Catholics in mourning around the world
