Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the modern Catholic Church, passed away on Monday morning at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death in a video statement, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell announcing, “This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.” The Argentine-born pope, known for his humility and progressive stance on global issues, led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, during which he battled several health complications, including a recent hospitalization for pneumonia.

Just a day before his passing, Pope Francis delivered a strong message promoting freedom and peace in his Easter Sunday address. While he greeted the crowd of over 35,000 from the Vatican balcony, he delegated the reading of his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing due to health concerns. His message called for respect for freedom of religion, thought, and expression, and denounced rising anti-Semitism and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This final address reflected the essence of his papacy: compassion, inclusivity, and unwavering advocacy for human rights.

Elected in 2013, Pope Francis was the first pope from the Americas and the first in more than a century to live outside the Vatican’s ornate Apostolic Palace. Despite his age and doctors’ advice, he maintained a demanding schedule and was known for never taking a holiday. His unconventional lifestyle and down-to-earth approach won him admiration from across the globe. His passing marks the end of a deeply influential era for the Catholic Church, and tributes have begun pouring in from world leaders, religious figures, and millions of followers mourning the loss of a spiritual giant.