Pope Francis, First Latin American Leader of Catholic Church, Dies at 88
By The Media Line Staff
Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at age 88 after battling multiple health issues during his 12-year tenure, the Vatican confirmed in a video statement on Monday.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in the statement. “This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.”
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, made history in 2013 when he became the first pope from the Americas, as well as the first Jesuit to assume the papacy. He chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, signaling a papacy focused on the poor, peace, and environmental stewardship.
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