Pope Francis, a reformer from Argentina who rattled the Catholic Church’s traditionalists and inspired progressives by reaching out to gay people and championing the rights of immigrants and the poor, has died, the Vatican announced.

He was 88.

Francis’ body will be put on display in an open coffin in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, one of Christianity’s holiest sites, where pontiffs have been buried for more than 100 years. But in accordance with Francis’ wishes, he is expected to be buried at the ancient Basilica of St. Mary Major, which lies outside the Vatican walls.


His successor will be chosen during a conclave, a gathering of cardinals who are charged with electing a new pope in strict seclusion at the Vatican.



Toward the end of his life, Francis battled a host of health issues that left him weakened and often forced to rely on a wheelchair or canes. Most recently, he struggled with diverticulitis, pneumonia and bronchitis, and at times needed his aides to read his speeches because he was out of breath.


Pope Francis delivers his homily during a Mass at Rio de Janeiro’s Cathedral in 2013.
Pope Francis delivers his homily during a Mass at Rio de Janeiro’s Cathedral in 2013.


REST IN PEACE POPE FRANCIS.