Premium

Francis, the first Latin-American Pope, dies at 88

By Jason Horowitz and Jim Yardley
New York Times·
32 mins to read
Francis, the first Latin-American Pope, dies at 88
Pope Francis, who rose from modest means in Argentina to become the first Jesuit and Latin American pontiff, died at the Vatican on April 21, 2025. He was 88. Photo / Eric Thayer, The New York Times
  • Francis was elected pope in 2013, surprising many with his reformist zeal and humble style.
  • He shifted the church’s focus to global issues like climate change and poverty, while addressing internal crises.
  • Francis emphasised decentralisation, empowering local bishops, and opened debates on previously taboo topics within the church.

A new style

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of his papacy was that he became pope at all.

Francis was elected in March 2013 after the resignation of Benedict, the first pontiff to step down in nearly six centuries, amid turmoil and intrigue about secret lobbies and financial chicanery. The

Save