Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church, has died at 88, the Vatican confirmed Monday. The reform-minded Argentine pontiff, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, was known for his bold efforts to steer the Church toward inclusion and transparency, often clashing with traditionalists.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the pope’s passing, stating Francis “returned to the house of the Father” at 7:35 a.m. Vatican time. Mourners at St. Peter’s Square, many unaware of his death when they arrived on Easter Monday, gathered in prayer where Francis had given his final blessing the day before.

The pope’s body will be placed in a coffin Monday night in the Chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, then transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing. In accordance with his wishes, he is expected to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major rather than in the Vatican crypt.

JD Vance meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican last Easter Sunday.

Tributes poured in from world leaders. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron praised his pastoral impact, while U.S. Vice President JD Vance reflected on their Easter meeting. King Charles remembered him with “particular affection.” In Argentina, President Javier Milei honored Francis as a national and spiritual icon.

Ordained a Jesuit priest in 1969, Francis rose through the ranks to become archbishop of Buenos Aires and was made cardinal in 2001. He was elected pope in 2013, following Benedict XVI’s resignation—the first papal abdication in 600 years. As the 266th pontiff, he led over a billion Catholics across the globe.

His papacy was marked by both praise and controversy. He tackled the Church’s long-running sex abuse crisis with unprecedented legal reforms, though some said his actions fell short. He also opened Church doors to LGBTQ+ communities, permitted blessings for same-sex couples in 2023, and pushed for greater climate action and migration rights.

Francis often faced backlash for his progressive stances—from his openness to divorced Catholics receiving Communion to encouraging COVID-19 vaccination. While modernizing in some areas, he remained conservative on key issues, opposing abortion, female ordination, and ending clerical celibacy.

In declining health in recent years, Francis battled bronchitis, diverticulitis, and pneumonia, frequently relying on aides or mobility assistance. Yet he remained a visible and vocal figure to the end, delivering his final Easter blessing just a day before his death.

His successor will be chosen in a closed conclave of cardinals in the coming days, as the Church begins a new chapter.