Outlook Business Desk
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, died in Vatican City on April 21 at the age of 88 due to lung infection.
Pope Francis Known for his humility, progressive stance and efforts to modernise the Church, he led over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide from 2013 to 2025.
Francis was the first Pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to be elected to the papacy. His election broke centuries of European tradition.
He joined the Society of Jesus in 1958, was ordained in 1969, and steadily rose in the Church hierarchy in Argentina.
Appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and elevated to Cardinal in 2001, he gained global recognition for his pastoral work.
Francis became Pope after Benedict XVI stepped down—an event not seen in 600 years. He was elected during the 2013 conclave.
Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, his papal name reflected his focus on humility, care for the poor and environmental issues.
He advocated for migrants, called for climate action, and supported greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Church.
His 2015 encyclical ‘Laudato si’ on climate change and ‘Fratelli tutti’ on human fraternity were widely praised.