Pope Francis Dies at 88, Church Mourns

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, has died at age 88 after a long struggle with chronic lung disease, prompting global mourning and a special Mass in Philadelphia. Revered for his humility and outreach, Francis led over 1.4 billion Catholics and prioritized modernizing the Church while upholding core doctrines. Notably, he permitted blessings for same-sex couples and expanded roles for women, fostering greater inclusivity. His historic 2015 U.S. visit included stops in Washington, D.C., New York, and Philadelphia, where he blessed disabled children, addressed human dignity at Independence Hall, and celebrated Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Francis was known for his simple lifestyle, personal warmth, and efforts to make the Church more compassionate. His legacy is marked by a balance of tradition, reform, and a global call for peace, justice, and dialogue.