Vatican City – Pope Francis, who had recently battled double pneumonia, died on Monday morning, ending a papacy that spanned nearly 12 years and was marked by both turbulence and transformation. The Vatican’s announcement confirmed his death at 7:35 a.m. local time.
Francis’s leadership began in 2013 following the unprecedented resignation of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, who continued to reside in the Vatican until his death in December 2022. This unique situation saw two popes co-existing for much of Francis’s reign.
Despite internal opposition, Pope Francis reshaped aspects of the Catholic Church by appointing nearly 80% of the cardinal electors responsible for choosing his successor, raising expectations that his progressive vision may continue. His papacy was notable for outreach to the poor and marginalized, as well as his active role in global diplomacy.