Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, died at 88, marking the end of a 12-year tenure that reshaped the papacy. Known for his humble style and focus on the marginalized, his death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell. Francis struggled with health issues, recently battling pneumonia. His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, where he greeted crowds warmly. His tenure was marked by a departure from traditional papal decorum, which both endeared him to many and caused friction with conservative factions within the Church.
His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,â³ Ferrell said.
From his first greeting that night-a remarkably normal 'Buonasera'âto his embrace of refugees and the downtrodden, Francis signaled a very different tone for the papacy.
Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on February 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis.
On Easter Sundayâhis last public appearanceâhe blessed thousands of people in St. Peter's Square and treated them to a surprise popemobile romp.
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