The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, a humble and inspirational leader

The world has come together in mourning following the death of Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church. He passed away at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest on Monday, April 21, according to the Vatican.

His death came as a shock to many, given he had appeared in St. Peter’s Square aboard an open-air popemobile on Easter Sunday, smiling and waving to cheering crowds—an appearance that had suggested his health was improving.

“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican’s TV channel.

“At 7.35 this morning (local time) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, Francis faced health challenges early in life that deeply shaped his faith. He joined the Jesuits in 1958 and became a priest in 1969. Known for his simple lifestyle and deep connection to everyday people, he served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998 and was made a cardinal in 2001. Even then, he avoided luxury—taking public transportation, living in a small apartment, and cooking his own meals.

When he was elected pope in 2013, he chose the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi—a saint known for his love of the poor and nature. This choice reflected the kind of pope he would be: down-to-earth, deeply spiritual, and focused on serving others.

During his time as Pope, he worked to reform the Catholic Church from the inside. He pushed for more transparency in Vatican finances, made strong efforts to address sexual abuse scandals, and called for justice for survivors. He also opened up conversations on topics like the role of women in the Church and showed a more welcoming tone toward LGBTQ+ individuals, moves that drew both praise and criticism.

Even in his later years, when he faced serious health issues, Pope Francis remained active. He continued to travel and speak out on global issues, from war and poverty to the environment and human dignity.

Tributes for Francis have poured in from around the world, with high-profile figures joining members of the public in offering their condolences and reflecting on his time as leader of the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people. In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound – embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we… pic.twitter.com/AFI0BEotUO

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 21, 2025

This is Pope Francis.

The Pope who:
• Carried his own luggage
• Paid his hotel bill after election
• Lived in a simple guesthouse

His humility was a revolutionary leadership that challenged 2,000 years of Church hierarchy.

Here’s his story:🧵 pic.twitter.com/M8hDTcYKVc

— Luis Malheiro (@iamluismalheiro) April 21, 2025

It was an honor meeting Pope Francis last summer. I’m glad I made you laugh. Thank you for your encouraging words. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/u5QqeUNLDM

— Jimmy Fallon (@jimmyfallon) April 21, 2025

The King’s message following the death of Pope Francis. pic.twitter.com/tnwvSoXcMh

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 21, 2025

From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. To unite people with one another and with nature. May this hope be reborn endlessly beyond him.

To all Catholics, to a grieving world, my wife and I send our thoughts. pic.twitter.com/UTmNxC1r4V

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 21, 2025

It is with great sadness that Jill and I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was unlike any who came before him. Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him. For decades, he served… pic.twitter.com/GsE03QNoHj

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 21, 2025

Pope Francis used his last public address to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Even as he was hospitalised, he maintained his commitment to check in on a daily basis with priests and parishioners at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City.

Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/zJFmt8IZmg

— Taj Ali (@Taj_Ali1) April 21, 2025

“Let us learn to live with kindness, to love everyone, even when they do not love us.”
– Pope Francis. (1936-2025)#PopeFrancis @Pontifex pic.twitter.com/u2L24A9qop

— All On The Board (@allontheboard) April 21, 2025

A prayer following the death of Pope Francis. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/fL81qNJVb6

— The Church of England (@churchofengland) April 21, 2025

In Rome, preparations are underway to honour the late pontiff. A Vatican spokesperson confirmed that his coffin may be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica as early as Wednesday, where the public will be given the opportunity to pay their respects. While a funeral date has yet to be confirmed, it is expected to take place in the coming days.

-with Reuters.