Pope Francis dies at age of 88, Vatican announces
Pope Francis greets school children after arriving at the airport in Knock in County Mayo, as part of his visit to Ireland. File photo
Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has confirmed.
"Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican's TV channel this morning.
“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.
"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.″
The pontiff, 88, had been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 and was subsequently diagnosed with a respiratory tract infection and pneumonia in both lungs.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, President Michael D Higgins, and Tánaiste Simon Harris were among those to pay tribute to Pope Francis after news of his death broke on Monday.
In a statement, the Taoiseach said Pope Francis' "long and distinguished papacy" was marked by his "unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace, and human dignity.
"He spoke out for the poor, the marginalised, and the oppressed. His solidarity with refugees, his calls for climate action, and his insistence on global peace and equality set him apart as a champion of justice in the modern world".
He said Francis holds "a special place in the hearts of the Irish people".
"During his visit to Ireland in August 2018 for the World Meeting of Families, he was welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm that spoke volumes about the respect and affection in which he was held by Irish people.
"During his visit to Ireland, many will also remember Pope Francis’ expression of pain and shame about historic child abuse in the Catholic Church and his outrage about the failure of Church authorities to adequately address these appalling crimes."
The Taoiseach said he had the honour of meeting Pope Francis during that visit and was impressed by "his vision of a Catholic Church that is open, compassionate, and focused on the needs of the most vulnerable".
"He shared with us his deep concern with the issues of social justice and human rights, and his profound commitment to alleviating suffering," Mr Martin added.
"May he rest in peace, and may his memory continue to guide us as we strive to build a world that reflects his vision of love and compassion for all."
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy.
Elected on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Francis was known for his humility, emphasis on mercy, and commitment to social justice.
His papacy was marked by efforts to reform the Vatican's bureaucracy, address clerical sexual abuse, and engage in interfaith dialogue.
In August 2018, Francis made a historic visit to Ireland, the first papal visit to the country in nearly four decades.
During his two-day stay, he participated in the World Meeting of Families in Dublin and visited the Knock Shrine in Co Mayo.
The visit was significant, occurring amid a period of reflection and reckoning within the Irish Church regarding past abuses.
Francis met with survivors of clerical abuse, acknowledging the Church's failures and seeking forgiveness.
Vatican mourning rites last nine days, with the date of the funeral and burial to be decided by the cardinals.
Pope Francis shunned much of the pomp and privilege of leading the global Catholic Church. He modified and simplified the papal funeral rites in 2024.
The funeral Mass is still expected to be held in St Peter's Square, but unlike many predecessors, Francis asked to be buried in Rome's St Mary Major Basilica to be near his favourite icon of the Madonna.
Francis also asked to be buried in a simple wooden casket, unlike predecessors who were buried in three interlocking caskets made of cypress, lead and oak.
With the passing of Pope Francis, the process to elect a new pope, known as a conclave, will begin in Rome.
The College of Cardinals, comprising 138 cardinal electors under the age of 80, will gather in the Sistine Chapel to deliberate and vote in secrecy.
A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new pontiff.
This conclave will be closely watched, especially given the diverse make up of the College, with a significant number of cardinals appointed by Francis himself.
Potential successors come from various parts of the world, reflecting the global nature of the Church today.
