Pope Francis Dies at 88, Vatican Mourns a Global Shepherd

Pope Francis, spiritual leader to over a billion Catholics, died Monday morning at the age of 88, according to Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo. The official announcement shared that "at 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father." Cardinal Ferrell praised the pope's life as one wholly devoted to serving the Lord and the Church.

Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was recognized for championing the values of the Gospel with "fidelity, courage and universal love," especially toward the world's poorest and most marginalized. His tenure was marked by a strong push for mercy, compassion, and reaching out to those often left behind by society. It's fair to say, if there was a world record for hugging people in unlikely places, Francis would have been a contender.

The pontiff's passing follows a lengthy battle with health issues. Earlier in the year, he spent 38 days in Rome's Gemelli hospital after a respiratory crisis developed into double pneumonia—a stretch that marked the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy. Francis had struggled with chronic lung disease since his youth, having had part of one lung removed, but rarely let that slow his mission or his schedule.

Even as he was still recovering, the pope managed to meet with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday at the Casa Santa Marta. In a gesture both sweet and symbolic, Francis gifted Vance three oversized chocolate Easter eggs for his children, along with a Vatican tie and rosaries—proving you can be the Bishop of Rome and still have a killer Easter basket game.

Throughout his leadership, Francis was noted for his commitment to the marginalized, including personal visits to prisons, especially during Holy Week. His legacy leaves a Church forever changed by his humility, openness, and undeniable sense of humanity.