Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a transformative figure in the modern Catholic Church, died early Monday at the age of 88.
The Vatican announced that he passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time following complications from a lengthy battle with illness.
He had been hospitalized since February with double pneumonia.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis became pope in 2013.
He was widely admired for his humility, focus on the poor, and calls for social justice, while also drawing criticism from some conservatives for his progressive tone on issues like climate change and inclusion.
Throughout his 12 years of service, he worked to reform the Vatican, championed mercy and compassion, and reached out to people on the margins of society.
The Vatican says the general public likely can begin paying final respects to Pope Francis starting Wednesday in St. Peter’s Basilica.
The date will be confirmed when cardinals gather for the first time after Francis’ death, on Tuesday morning, to make the first decisions about funeral plans and other urgent matters.
No date for the funeral has been announced, but it must be held between four and six days after the death.
