The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, who succumbed to a long-term ailment at the age of eighty-eight. The Vatican confirmed his death on Monday following an extended period of illness.
For nearly a decade, Pope Francis led the Catholic Church, holding the office from 2013 onwards. A pivotal moment in the church’s history occurred when he succeeded Benedict XVI, who made the historic decision to step down. His election marked a groundbreaking shift, as he became the first individual of Latin American descent to assume the role of Pope.
“This marks the end of an extraordinary era,” stated a Vatican spokesperson. “Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of compassion and reform.”
Key facts surrounding his life and papacy include:
* His age at the time of death: eighty-eight years old.
* The cause of death: a protracted illness.
* His election year: 2013.
* A significant historical detail: he was the first Latin American leader to hold the office of Pope.
“Pope Francis’s commitment to social justice and global dialogue will be deeply missed,” added an official statement released shortly after the announcement.
