Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff who ministered with a charming, humble style, dies at 88

[Dulcinea]

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, died Monday. He was 88.

Bells tolled in church towers across Rome after the announcement, which was read out by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis lived.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Ferrell said.

Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.

https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-francis-dead-01ca7d73c3c48d25fd1504ba076e2e2a

[Irish_Dem]

1. He wanted to hang on until Easter.

He made his goal it looks like.

[Fla Dem]

2. A good soul passes on Easter Monday.

May his soul rest in peace. ✝️

[gademocrat7]

3. Rest In Peace, Pope Francis

As a Catholic I am saddened by his passing. He had a true servant’s heart. Two causes that he always spoke out about were immigrants and climate change.

[MustLoveBeagles]

4. .