Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a globally admired spiritual leader known for his humility and reformist approach to the papacy, passed away on Monday at the age of 88.

According to a statement released by the Vatican, the cause of death was a cerebral stroke followed by irreversible heart failure.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis had been hospitalised earlier this year with complications stemming from bronchitis and pneumonia.

After being discharged, he made a public appearance on Easter Sunday, briefly greeting worshippers in St. Peter’s Square. The Vatican confirmed that his health deteriorated early Monday morning and that he fell into a coma before passing away at 7:35 a.m. local time.

In a statement, Cardinal Kevin Farrell described the Pope's final hours, saying, “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.”

Papacy marked by humility

Elected in 2013, Pope Francis was the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the first from the Americas. His papacy was characterised by a departure from many of the traditional trappings of the office. Rejecting the Apostolic Palace as his residence, he chose to live in a modest guesthouse at Casa Santa Marta. Even as Pope, he continued to embrace a life of austerity — reportedly cooking his own meals and often seen using public transportation during his earlier years as Archbishop of Buenos Aires.

He was widely recognised for addressing social inequality, promoting interfaith dialogue, and pushing for institutional reforms within the Church. His positions on climate change, economic disparity, and human rights brought him both acclaim and criticism.

Net worth of Pope Francis

Despite leading one of the wealthiest religious institutions in the world, Pope Francis himself remained materially poor. According to a report by Celebrity Net Worth, his personal wealth at the time of his death was estimated at just $100.

This modest figure stands in stark contrast to the Vatican’s overall financial position. A TIME magazine report estimates the Vatican's net worth between $10 to $15 billion, reflecting centuries of accumulated wealth in the form of assets, real estate, and investments.

Marca, a Spanish publication, noted that Pope Francis never accepted the traditional papal salary of approximately $32,000 per month, instead donating or repurposing any personal income. The Vatican later confirmed that he had remained true to his Jesuit vow of poverty throughout his life.

In a posthumously released spiritual testament, Pope Francis requested a simple burial at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, rather than the more customary St. Peter’s Basilica. He asked to be buried under the name “Francis” with no papal title and requested that an anonymous individual bear the cost of his funeral.

The will is a reflection of his lifelong dedication to humility and service. "Thank you for taking me back to the Square," were reportedly among his final words to his personal nurse, Massimiliano Streppetti, expressing gratitude for helping him make a last public appearance before the faithful.

Global tributes

Leaders and religious figures from across the globe paid tribute to Pope Francis’s legacy. Messages poured in highlighting his compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the poor and disenfranchised. Many hailed him as a Pope of the people, a bridge-builder between religions and cultures, and a symbol of moral clarity in turbulent times.

Funeral arrangements are underway, with heads of state, dignitaries, and representatives from religious communities expected to attend the services in Rome later this week.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936, in Argentina. Ordained as a Jesuit priest in 1969, he served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires before becoming Pope. He was known for his deep spirituality, intellectual rigour, and an unwavering commitment to social justice.

In a world often divided by ideology and inequality, Pope Francis stood as a rare figure of unity — preaching inclusion, tolerance, and simplicity until the very end.