Pope Francis dies at 88

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a revered global figure known for his humility and reformist vision, has died aged 88, the Vatican has announced.

He passed away peacefully at 07:35 local time on Easter Monday, just a day after addressing thousands of worshippers in St Peter’s Square with an Easter message of hope.

His death has sent waves of grief across the world, with mourners flooding St Peter’s Square in Rome and tributes pouring in from leaders worldwide.

King Charles said the Pope "profoundly touched the lives of so many," while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed his humility and commitment to a better world.

Recently discharged from hospital following five weeks of treatment for an infection, Pope Francis’s passing sets in motion the ancient papal succession process to elect his successor.

The Vatican is now the center of global attention, as Catholics and non-Catholics alike reflect on the legacy of a pope who sought to bring compassion, dialogue, and justice to the forefront of the modern Church.

Story by: Think News Online Newsroom