Vatican City: Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the global Catholic Church and a symbol of humility and hope for millions, has passed away at the age of 88. He died at 7:35 AM local time in the Vatican (11:05 AM IST), as confirmed by Vatican Administrator Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
The Pope had been battling a lung infection since mid-February and was hospitalized on February 14. After more than five weeks of treatment, he was discharged on March 23, though he did not fully resume his papal responsibilities.
In his final public appearances, Pope Francis continued to demonstrate his enduring spirit. On Maundy Thursday, he visited the Regina Coeli prison in Rome, and on Easter Sunday, he delivered an emotional plea for peace in Gaza from St. Peter’s Square.
Although still recovering, the Pope made a brief but memorable appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to bless the faithful and share Easter greetings—a poignant farewell gesture to the thousands who had gathered to see him.
The world now mourns the loss of a spiritual titan remembered for his unwavering dedication to compassion, social justice, and the call for global harmony.
