By Sushant Agarwal
Published on | Apr 21, 2025
The beloved Argentine pontiff died Monday morning after battling prolonged illness and pneumonia.
Francis led 1.4 billion Catholics as the first Jesuit and first Latin American pope since 2013.
Just a day before his passing, he greeted thousands at Saint Peter's Basilica.
Known for humility, he pushed Church reforms and championed social justice and inclusion.
Francis battled respiratory issues, surgeries, and mobility problems but remained active until the end.
He rejected traditional triple-coffin rites and will be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore.
His progressive tone on sensitive issues sparked hope—and criticism—among Catholics worldwide.
A conclave of cardinals will now convene to elect Pope Francis’s successor.