Pope Francis: Things to know about late Catholic pontiff

Catholic pontiff, Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 years.

Confirming his demise, the Vatican said Pope Francis died in his residence in Casa Santa Marta.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Catholic church, said he died at exactly 7:35 am.

Below are things to know about Pope Francis:

The 266th Pope of the Catholic Church, died of complications from a recent bout of double pneumonia. This marked the end of a transformative 12-year papacy.

Pope Francis is an Argentine born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, on December 17, 1936.

He is the first from the Americas to be elected on March 13, 2013 as Pope following the death Pope Benedict XVI on February 28, 2013.

At 21, the pontiff lost part of his lung due to Pleurisy amid other health challenges.

He battled chronic respiratory issues and was hospitalised for 38 days for double pneumonia in early 2025.

Pope Francis was a bridge builder on migration and a vocal advocate for migrants.

As the first Jesuit pope, Francis embodied the order’s emphasis on service and intellectual rigour, often focusing on social justice and dialogue with the modern world.

Pope Francis led a humble lifestyle. Rejecting the opulent Apostolic Palace, he lived in the modest Casa Santa Marta guesthouse, drove simple cars, and carried his own bags, earning admiration for his simplicity.

He advocated for the poor while prioritizing the marginalised, through the famous washing the feet of prisoners, refugees, and the disabled. He appealed to the Church to be a “poor Church for the poor.”

The late pontiff confronted bureaucracy, at the Vatican while alive. He reformed financial institutions and addressing corruption, though his changes faced resistance from conservative factions.

Pope Francis criticised anti-immigration policies and notably clashed with President Donald Trump administration over mass deportations.

Pope Francis stance on same-sex marriage and the role of women in the Church sparked debate.

Amid his health scare, the 88-year-old pontiff made his final public appearance at St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, April 20.

Pope Francis: Things to know about late Catholic pontiff