Pope Francis Dies At 88

Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor — but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change — died Monday.

Pope Francis emerged on Easter Sunday to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square in what turned out to be his last public appearance a day before his death. I Photo: ©Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk; Catholic Church England and Wales Flickr

He was 88, Nicole Winfield and Colleen Barry reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Bells tolled in church towers across Rome after the announcement, which was read out by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis lived.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” Farrell said.

Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there — the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.

But he emerged on Easter Sunday — his last public appearance, a day before his death — to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square and surprise them with a popemobile ride through the piazza, drawing wild cheers and applause.

Beforehand, he met briefly with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.