Pope Francis, voice of the marginalised, shepherd of the poor, dies at 88

New Delhi, Apr 21: Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the modern Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his passing early Easter Monday, less than 24 hours after he greeted thousands of worshippers from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica with a wave and a blessing: “Happy Easter.” The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell on behalf of the Holy See. “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” the message read. “At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.” Cardinal Farrell continued: “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.

With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

A Final Public Witness

The Pope’s death comes just weeks after being discharged from the hospital, where he had been treated for pneumonia. He left Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on 23 March and, despite visible frailty, made a series of appearances highlighting his pastoral commitment.

On 6 April, he appeared in a wheelchair at the Vatican—his first public sighting after his release. Just three days later, he held a private audience with King Charles III and Queen Camilla, described by Buckingham Palace as a warm and personal meeting.

On 10 April, Francis visited St Peter’s Basilica, dressed in simple clerical clothing instead of his formal papal robes. Over the Easter period, he continued his outreach: on Holy Thursday, he made a surprise visit to Regina Coeli prison in Rome, where he greeted inmates in an unannounced act of compassion. On Holy Saturday, he paused again at St Peter’s Basilica, greeting pilgrims and praying quietly.

His final public appearance came on Easter Sunday, when he was welcomed with cheers by crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square. Though in a wheelchair, he smiled and waved, offering a heartfelt “Happy Easter.” That same day, he met the U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who told him, “I pray for you every day”—a moment now etched in memory as the Pope’s last meeting with a world leader.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Francis was the first Jesuit to become pope and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years. Elected in 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, his papacy was marked by a deep concern for the environment, economic justice, and the plight of migrants and refugees. His 2015 encyclical Laudato si’, on care for the Earth, remains one of the most influential religious documents on climate change. Often described as the “people’s Pope,” he was known for his humility, his aversion to Vatican pomp, and his unwavering focus on the poor and marginalised. From washing the feet of prisoners to sleeping in a simple guesthouse instead of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis redefined the image of the papal office in ways that resonated far beyond Catholicism.

A World in Mourning

The death of Pope Francis has triggered a wave of tributes from world leaders, religious figures, and citizens across the globe.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote:

“Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world… His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace.”

King Charles III also issued a moving statement:

“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.” “The Queen and I were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month,” the monarch added, recalling a private audience just weeks before the Pope’s passing.

The White House also paid tribute with a solemn message on social media:

“Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.” The post included images of the pontiff with both former President Donald Trump and current Vice President JD Vance, reflecting the global reach and enduring relevance of his leadership.

With Pope Francis’s passing, the ancient and solemn process of electing a new pontiff begins. Cardinals worldwide will soon be summoned to the Vatican for the conclave—a centuries-old ritual that will determine the next Bishop of Rome. As the bells toll over the Vatican and black bunting is hung across churches worldwide, millions mourn a spiritual leader who spent over a decade championing compassion in a fractured world. Pope Francis leaves behind a Church reshaped in his image: humbler, more inclusive, and resolutely anchored in serving the poor.