Pope Francis, the ‘People’s Pope,’ Passes Away at 88, Sparking Global Tributes and Reflections on His Transformative Papacy

Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, a day after celebrating Easter at the Vatican. Known as the “People’s Pope,” Francis was the first pope from the Americas and was elevated to the papacy in 2013. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from leaders and individuals worldwide, highlighting his impact on the global community.

Vice President JD Vance, who had met with Pope Francis just a day prior to his passing, shared his condolences in a post on social media platform X. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her sorrow in a Facebook post, describing the pontiff as both a “great man and a great pastor.” French President Emmanuel Macron also took to X to honor the late pope, reflecting on his journey from Buenos Aires to the Vatican.

In response to the news of Pope Francis’s death, many individuals have been drawn to the Vatican to pay their respects. Among them was Titti Lepore, a 56-year-old Catholic, who traveled to the basilica with her husband to offer a prayer. Lepore expressed a deep personal connection to the pope, stating that she felt compelled to visit upon hearing the news.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was a pioneering figure in the Catholic Church. His leadership was marked by a focus on humility, social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities. As the first pope from the Americas, his papacy represented a significant shift in the church’s history, and his legacy continues to resonate with millions around the world.