Pope Francis arrives to the Festival of Families held on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia on Saturday, September 26, 2015.
Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and its first Latin American pontiff, died on Easter Monday, at the age of 88.
The Vatican announced his passing at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae, following a prolonged battle with double pneumonia.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was elected pope in 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His papacy was marked by a commitment to humility, inclusivity, and social justice.
He was known for his advocacy for the poor, migrants, and the environment, and for fostering interfaith dialogue. Francis also implemented significant reforms within the Vatican, promoting financial transparency and increasing roles for women in church leadership.
Despite health challenges, including chronic lung issues and a recent hospitalization, Pope Francis made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, blessing thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
His death was formally announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican's Camerlengo, who stated, “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”
Locally, Bishop Joseph Williams, of Camden, N.J. issued a statement on the death of Pope Francis:
"Together with Bishop Emeritus Dennis Sullivan, the priests, deacons, religious, and faithful of the Diocese of Camden, I join in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. We pray that after completing his 88-year pilgrimage of faith on this earth, he may return to the house of the Father.
"Throughout his ministry as universal pastor, Pope Francis - born Jorge Mario Bergoglio -selflessly and untiringly served the Church with the tenderness of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
"I will never forget the joy his election as the first Latin American Pope brought to the Latino people I was serving in south Minneapolis, at the time. They were deeply touched by his simplicity and humility and saw their culture lifted up in his ascension to the See of Peter.
"His writings on the joy of evangelization made my heart sing and helped to transform the parishes I served. He wanted pastors to have “the smell of the sheep” and encouraged all the faithful, by word and example, to “go out” to the peripheries of society and the Church with mercy for the troubled and abandoned. He dreamed of a Church that was poor, transparent, listening and that “walked together.” I believe he died having brought us closer to that dream.
"In every phase of his long life, Pope Francis remained a steadfast follower of Jesus Christ. May he now enjoy the fullness of the eternal life he so fervently hoped for. Requiescat in pace."
Global leaders have paid tribute to Pope Francis. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who met with him the day before his death, expressed sorrow and praised his legacy.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted his humility and compassion, stating, “He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also honored his contributions to peace and social justice.
In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, rather than the traditional site beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Vatican has initiated the traditional nine days of mourning, known as the “novemdiales,” during which the faithful can pay their respects. A conclave to elect his successor is expected to commence between May 6 and May 11.
Pope Francis leaves behind a transformative legacy, having reshaped the papacy with a focus on compassion, humility, and a deep commitment to addressing the challenges of the modern world.
