Pope Francis Dies at 88; Cardinal Farrell Takes Over Vatican Leadership Temporarily

Pope Francis, leader of the Roman Catholic Church for over a decade, has passed away at the age of 88. His death was confirmed early Monday morning by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo of the Vatican, who said Francis died at 7:35 a.m. local time (1:35 a.m. ET). The announcement was made “with deep sorrow,” as the Church enters a time of mourning and transition.

The pope’s death came just one day after he gave the Easter blessing to thousands in St. Peter’s Square. Though visibly frail, his public appearance was seen as a hopeful sign following several recent health scares. Francis had spent five weeks in the hospital earlier this year due to a serious bout of double pneumonia.

Until a new pope is selected by the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Farrell—an American—will temporarily oversee the administrative affairs of the Vatican. He cannot make doctrinal changes or major appointments during this interim period, but will act as the official steward of Church operations.

Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, became the first Jesuit and the first pope from the Americas in 2013. His time as pontiff was marked by sweeping rhetoric on global issues such as climate change, wealth redistribution, and migration—often positioning himself as a critic of Western nationalism and capitalism.

Among his more controversial political positions was his opposition to former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. In 2017, the two leaders met at the Vatican in a tense exchange, after which Francis publicly criticized the idea of building walls along borders. His political commentary, especially on U.S. domestic affairs, drew sharp criticism from many American Catholics who viewed the remarks as outside the scope of the papacy.

Despite these tensions, Francis remained a beloved figure for millions of Catholics worldwide who appreciated his softer tone on social issues and his emphasis on mercy. Still, many within the Church, particularly among its more traditional and conservative members, expressed concern that his leadership often strayed from doctrinal clarity and undermined the Church’s moral authority.

Vice President J.D. Vance, who met with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, offered his condolences shortly after the news broke. “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” Vance said.

Now, the Catholic Church prepares for the conclave to elect a new pope—an event that will be watched closely by faithful around the world. The choice ahead will help determine the Church’s direction as it confronts internal divisions, cultural shifts, and growing pressure to define its role in the modern world.