Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Global Spiritual Leader Remembered for His Humility, Advocacy, and Reforms.

By Caroline Ameh

The Vatican has announced the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. The Argentine-born pontiff, who led the Roman Catholic Church since 2013, passed away at 7:35 a.m. after a prolonged battle with health complications.

His death was officially announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a solemn statement released by the Vatican.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Farrell said. “At 7:35 a.m. this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

The conclave to select his successor is expected to commence within 15 to 20 days, following the traditional process outlined by the Vatican.

In recent years, Pope Francis had faced multiple health challenges, forcing him to cancel engagements at short notice. His most recent hospitalization began on February 14, when he was admitted for bronchitis treatment. The Vatican later revealed he had developed bilateral pneumonia and received blood transfusions due to low platelet levels associated with anaemia.

On February 22, the Pope’s condition was reported as critical following a “prolonged respiratory crisis” that required a high flow of oxygen. The next day, Vatican officials confirmed he was also experiencing the early stages of kidney failure. Supporters gathered in large numbers at St. Peter’s Square and the Rome hospital to pray and show their support.

During his 38-day stay, he remained mostly out of public view until March 6, when he delivered an audio message thanking well-wishers and assuring them, “I am with you from here.”

On March 23, Pope Francis made a brief appearance from a balcony at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, smiling and giving a thumbs up to the gathered crowd. He returned to the Vatican later that day, stopping briefly to pray at his favorite basilica. Doctors advised two months of rest and continued treatment with supplemental oxygen, oral medications for a lung fungal infection, and ongoing respiratory and physical therapy.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936, Pope Francis was the first pontiff from South America and the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy. He was widely known as the “People’s Pope” for his humility, simple lifestyle, and commitment to championing the poor and marginalized.

His papacy was marked by bold stances on global issues, including climate change, economic inequality, and immigration. In a memorable 2016 gesture, he washed the feet of refugees from different religions at an asylum center outside Rome.

Pope Francis also broke new ground with his inclusive approach to the LGBTQ community. In 2013, shortly after becoming pope, he made headlines by saying, “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge them?”

However, his liberal image was challenged in April 2024 after he signed the Vatican document Dignitas Infinita (“Infinite Dignity”), which reiterated the Church’s traditional opposition to gender reassignment, surrogacy, abortion, and euthanasia. In the same year, reports emerged alleging that he used a homophobic slur behind closed doors, prompting criticism from some quarters.

Throughout his life, Francis battled various health problems. As a young man in Argentina, he had part of one lung removed. During his papacy, he underwent several hospitalizations, including surgery in 2021 to remove part of his colon and an intestinal operation in June 2023 to address symptoms from an abdominal hernia.

He increasingly relied on a wheelchair and cane in recent years due to sciatica and other mobility issues. In 2022, he acknowledged the possibility of stepping down if his health worsened, following the precedent set by Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013 and died in 2022.

Despite these challenges, Francis remained active in his role as a global moral authority, meeting world leaders, delivering messages of peace, and encouraging reforms within the Church.

An estimated 1.4 billion Catholics around the world now mourn his passing, remembering him as a spiritual father who combined pastoral compassion with a deep commitment to justice and mercy.