Pope Francis Has Died at 88: A Humble Rebel Who Shook the Vatican

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History just took a breath.

Pope Francis, the first-ever Latin American pope and one of the most influential global faith leaders of our time, has passed away at age 88. The announcement came Monday morning from Vatican City, with church bells ringing out across Rome in solemn tribute.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell, speaking from the chapel of Domus Santa Marta, where the pope had lived.

Francis had been battling serious health issues and was hospitalized for 38 days earlier this year with double pneumonia. Even so, he made one final public appearance just a day before his death — offering his Easter blessing to a cheering crowd in St. Peter’s Square.

But Pope Francis wasn’t just a spiritual leader — he was a disruptor.

From the moment he stepped onto the Vatican balcony back in 2013 and casually said “Buonasera” (Good evening) to the world, people knew this pope was different. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he brought a down-to-earth, no-frills vibe to the papacy that felt more people-first than power-heavy.

He championed the poor. He hugged refugees. He challenged the rich. And he didn’t shy away from real-world issues like climate change, capitalism, and immigration. To many, he was the people’s pope. To others, especially hardline traditionalists, he was a firestarter who shook too many tables.

Still, there’s no denying he left a legacy. Over 12 years, Pope Francis tried to steer a scandal-riddled Church toward humility, service, and modern relevance.

He wasn’t perfect. But he was powerful in a different way — choosing humanity over hierarchy, and sincerity over spectacle.

Rest in peace, Pope Francis. You came in with “Buonasera” — and left us with a blessing.

🙏🏽🕊️