Pope Francis Passes Away at 88: A Legacy of Humility and Justice in Global Faith Leadership

Pope Francis, the inaugural Latin American pope and an advocate for the underprivileged, passed away in Rome on Monday at the age of 88. Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed his death, citing, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.” Battling chronic lung issues, Francis had been hospitalized since mid-February with double pneumonia. His passing initiates the process of selecting a new pope, as cardinals prepare to convene in the Sistine Chapel for a conclave.