Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, died on April 21 at the age of 88 after struggling with ongoing health problems. The Vatican stated that the cause of death was a stroke, which led to a coma and eventually heart failure.
Elected in 2013 as the first pope from Latin America, Pope Francis was known for his humility and progressive vision. Throughout his 12-year leadership of the Catholic Church, he advocated for social justice, environmental stewardship, and care for the marginalized—stances that sometimes clashed with more traditional elements of the Church.
Renowned for his simple lifestyle, Francis declined the grand papal apartments in favor of a modest residence and often chose plain meals like bread, cheese, and pizza.
Though his papacy was not without controversy—particularly in the early mishandling of sexual abuse cases in Chile—he later took decisive action, including removing senior clergy involved. He was also commended for speaking out against laws that criminalize homosexuality and for urging worldwide environmental responsibility through his encyclical *Laudato Si’*.
In his will, Francis requested to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, rather than the Vatican. He asked for a plain grave inscribed simply with “Franciscus,” near the chapel where he regularly prayed before and after his travels.
“May the Lord grant the just reward to those who have loved me and continue to pray for me,” he wrote, dedicating his final suffering to the cause of peace and unity.