Pope Francis, revered 'people's pope,' dies at 88

Pope Francis, who died at age 88, made history as the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, renowned for his humility, compassion, and close connection to the people. Choosing to live in a modest Vatican guesthouse rather than the papal apartments, he embodied a stripped-back, service-oriented papacy, often referred to as 'the people's pope.' Throughout his tenure, Francis championed the poor, migrants, and victims of injustice, notably addressing climate change as a moral issue in his encyclical Laudato Si’. He was accessible and personable, conducting 47 apostolic journeys, using modern communication to reach the faithful during the Covid-19 pandemic, and frequently engaging directly with marginalized groups. While his tenure was marked by efforts to reform the Church and confront clerical abuse, some critics noted the pace of concrete action was slow. His passing has been mourned across the Christian world, with leaders noting the deep impact of his pontificate on contemporary Catholicism.