Pope Francis Dies at 88

variety.comPublished: 4/21/2025

Summary

Pope Francis, the influential leader of the Catholic Church known for his progressive stance and efforts to modernize the Vatican, passed away at the age of 88 after a prolonged battle with health issues. His death marks the end of a papacy that saw significant reforms, including apologies for the Church's handling of sexual abuse scandals and a shift toward addressing global issues like social justice and climate change. Known for his accessible communication style and international outreach, Francis leaves behind a legacy of both progress and controversy. He is survived by his sister María Elena Bergoglio and niece Cristina Bergoglio.