VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, the humble pontiff who championed the poor, embraced reform, and reshaped the Catholic Church with his message of mercy, passed away Monday morning at his residence in Casa Santa Marta. He was 88.

Pope Francis Meets King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Queen Suthida

Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrel, the camerlengo, announced the death in a solemn video message, confirming the pontiff died at 7:35 AM after a period of declining health. His final public appearance came just hours earlier, during Easter Sunday’s Urbi et Orbi blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica, where—despite battling a respiratory infection—he delivered a last impassioned plea for peace and migrant rights.

Hours before his death, the frail but determined pope appeared on the central loggia balcony, where he blessed thousands in St. Peter’s Square. Though visibly weakened, he later greeted the crowd in the popemobile, tenderly holding and blessing infants—a poignant final image of his pastoral warmth.

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/jUIkbplVi2

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025

His last words to the world condemned war and demanded dignity for refugees, echoing his 11-year papacy’s defining themes.

The first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas, Francis revolutionized the Vatican with his progressive vision—championing social justice, climate action, and a more inclusive Church. His tenure saw historic shifts, from softening stances on LGBTQ+ inclusion to financial reforms, though resistance from conservatives remained fierce.

Former Pope Benedict XVI dies at 95

The Vatican has begun preparations for his funeral, expected to draw millions to Rome. As the Church mourns, the world remembers a pope who reshaped modern Catholicism—not with dogma, but with compassion.

“Pray for me,” he often asked. Now, the faithful do.

(Updates expected as conclave plans develop.)

-Thailand News (TN)