Pope Francis, first non-European pope, dies at 88

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, has died at the age of 88 after suffering from respiratory illness. As the first Latin American, first Jesuit, and first non-European pope in over a millennium, Francis was known for his humility, simplicity, and focus on issues such as poverty, the environment, and social justice. His papacy was marked by efforts to make the Church more inclusive, particularly towards LGBTQ+ individuals and divorced Catholics, though these moves met resistance from conservatives. He emphasized transparency and reform within the Vatican, increasing the number of women in senior roles and pushing for financial accountability. Pope Francis also maintained a high public profile, visiting over 65 countries and remaining active despite persistent health issues in his later years. His personal passions, including his lifelong support of the San Lorenzo football club, and his compassionate outreach, especially in his final days, left a lasting impact on both the Church and the world.