Pope Francis dies at 88 following pneumonia complications

The first Latin American pope, Francis led the Catholic Church for 12 years with a focus on humility, inclusion and global justice.

Organ Mountain News report

Jorge Mario Bergoglio — known to the world as Pope Francis — died Monday morning at the Vatican following complications from double pneumonia. He was 88.

According to Vatican News, the pope passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, where he had been resting after recent hospitalizations. The Holy See announced his death on Easter Monday, describing his final hours as peaceful and attended by close aides.

Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first Latin American pope and the first to take the name Francis. Born in Buenos Aires in 1936, he led the Catholic Church for more than 12 years after his election in March 2013.

His papacy was marked by an emphasis on humility, inclusion and outreach to marginalized groups. He became a global advocate for climate action, refugee rights, interfaith cooperation and social justice. In recent years, he also worked to address sexual abuse within the Church and called for broader reform.

Despite ongoing health issues, including intestinal surgery and declining mobility, Francis made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, waving to crowds in St. Peter’s Square from a balcony above the piazza. The Associated Press reported that he appeared frail but smiled and offered blessings to those gathered.

Global leaders offered condolences following the announcement. Time reported that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance praised Francis for "his unwavering commitment to the poor and the voiceless," while People quoted King Charles III, who said he was “profoundly saddened” and recalled their final meeting just weeks before the pontiff’s death.

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis’ body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica beginning Wednesday. His funeral is expected within six days, followed by a conclave of cardinals to elect a new pope.