PANAJI: Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the first pontiff from Latin America, passed away today, at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death at 7:35 am local time at his residence in Casa Santa Marta.
As per his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried in Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, becoming the first pope since Leo XIII to be interred outside the Vatican. Funeral details are expected to be announced soon.
World leaders and faithful across the globe have paid tribute to the pontiff, remembering him as a compassionate reformer who brought the Church closer to the people.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was elected pope on March 13, 2013, following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His papacy was defined by a strong focus on humility, inclusion, and social justice. Pope Francis championed causes such as climate action, refugee rights, and economic equality, earning global admiration.
His later years were marked by recurring health issues, including a chronic lung condition and a recent respiratory crisis that led to an extended hospital stay. Despite these challenges, he remained active in Church affairs until his final days.
