The Vatican announced on Monday the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, following a prolonged struggle with recurring health problems that had increasingly impacted his public appearances and duties over the past two years.

In an official statement, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope, the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church, passed away at the Saint Martha Residence after months of worsening health.

Pope Francis was hospitalized on February 14, 2025, at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome after suffering a severe bout of bronchitis. He was discharged on March 23, but his condition deteriorated again in the weeks that followed.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, becoming the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and the successor to Pope Benedict XVI. He became widely known for his humility, progressive views, advocacy for the poor, and calls for reform within the Church.

The global Catholic community now awaits the Vatican’s announcement regarding the funeral arrangements and the beginning of the process to elect a new pope in the coming days.