The Vatican has announced the passing of Pope Francis. The pontiff was 88 years old and had been unwell in recent months.
Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the Pope’s passing saying he passed away on Monday morning.
“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.
Pope Francis spent several weeks in a Rome hospital in February and March being treated for bronchitis and pneumonia.
He had appeared at Easter Sunday ceremonies in St Peter’s Square just yesterday, driven around the space in his popemobile. The service was delivered by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St Peter’s Basilica.
Yesterday he also met with US Vice-President J.D. Vance where they spoke about the USA’s immigration policies and the need for a lasting peace in Ukraine.
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1936. He was the first Pope from South America, the first from the Jesuit order, and the first Pope from the Souther Hemisphere.
He joined the Jesuit order in 1958 after surviving a severe illness. He became ordained as a Catholic priest in 1969. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II.
He took up the role of Pope in 2013 following the resignation of his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI. He was the first Pope to resign from the position since the 15th century.
Pope Francis took a noticeably different tone in relation to LGBTIQA+ rights and recognition than his predecessors. He famously commented “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gay rights in 2013.
During his papacy he spoke about the need for the church to accept LGBT people and children, allowed blessings of same sex couples, and called for the removal of laws around the globe that criminalise homosexuality.
His commentary of people who are transgender has been less accommodating. In 2024 he issued an apology after it was reported that he used an Italian gay slur when discussing gay members of the clergy during a private meeting.
Pope Francis is remembered for eschewing the trappings of his position, opting to reside in a simple guest quarters area of The Vatican, and opting to wear plain white clothes and often battered shoes.
“My people are poor, and I am one of them.” he once said.
How is a new Pope selected?
Following the Pope’s passing 252 cardinals will now head to The Vatican to select a successor. While all cardinals will take part in the funeral of the Pontiff, only those under the age of 80 are permitted to select his successor, bit older Cardinals can speak and give advice on the selection.
The decision on the next Pope will be made by 138 cardinals who are under the age of 80. For a valid election a two-thirds majority of the Conclave is required.
Pope Francis will not be interred in The Vatican. He requested his burial to be at the Basilica of St Mary Major in central Rome, saying he felt a special connection to that church. Six previous Pope’s have been laid to rest there, the last being Clement IX in 1669.
