Pope Francis, the pontiff from Argentina, has died aged 88 just a month after returning to the Vatican from a five-week stint in the hospital. His death was “discreet” as a “discreet passing,” and it described how he quietly departed in peaceful sleep. The Argentine pontiff passed away as closely attended medical officials and attendants surrounded him for his last few hours, keeping with the serene nature of his final days.
Having suffered serious health issues over the past few years, Pope Francis stuck to his work until the very end. His death concludes a papacy remembered for its focus on compassion, humility, and his progressive stance towards the world’s problems. Tributes have flowed in from world leaders and religious leaders alike, paying tribute to his legacy of reform and service to the poor and marginalized.
Pope Francis’ death marks the end of an extraordinary era in the history of the Catholic Church, during which his vision influenced most of the debates about social justice, dialogue between faiths, and international peace.
