Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at 88, just a day after blessing the crowd from St. Peter’s Basilica during Easter Sunday. Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed his death at 7:35 a.m., saying the Pope had “returned to the house of the Father.” A massive stroke, followed by a coma and heart failure, ended a life marked by humility, service, and devotion.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 in Buenos Aires, he became a Jesuit in 1958 and was ordained in 1969. Rising through Church ranks, he became Archbishop in 1998 and was made cardinal in 2001. In 2013, he became the first Latin American pope. Francis chose his name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, embracing simplicity and social justice.

He championed the poor, fought climate change, and urged reform. In *Laudato Si’*, he wrote, “Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home.” He also called anti-LGBTQ+ laws “unjust,” breaking from tradition.Despite health struggles, he stayed active and never considered resigning. His last words were to his nurse: “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.”In his will, he requested burial at Santa Maria Maggiore, “with no elaborate inscriptions—just the name: ‘Franciscus.’”