Obituary: Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff, friend of Iran, critic of Gaza genocide | PressTV |

Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, friend of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and outspoken critic of Israel's genocidal actions in Gaza, passed away on Monday at Saint Martha's House in Vatican City.

The Vatican announced that the pontiff died at the age of 88, following a prolonged struggle with health issues. In recent years, he mostly relied on a wheelchair or cane for mobility.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, stood in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel on Monday, where the deceased Pope lived, and announced that he died at 7:35 a.m. local time.

"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized," Farrell stated.

His death came just one day after he made a brief appearance before thousands of Catholic pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican for Easter Sunday.

Pope Francis was the first Latin American pontiff who worked hard to reform the Church. 

Iran's president urges Pope to help end Israel's onslaught in Gaza

Max Civili reports from Rome. pic.twitter.com/x0wbrt8L4U

— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) November 22, 2024

The conclave, governed by the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, required cardinals under the age of 80 to convene in the Sistine Chapel to cast their votes. A total of 115 cardinals participated, with a two-thirds majority needed to elect the new pope. [Today there will be 135 cardinals present with a majority from outside of Europe]

Bergoglio was a familiar figure from the 2005 conclave, reportedly the runner-up to Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI). His humility, reform-minded approach, and non-European background appealed to cardinals seeking a fresh perspective amid mounting Church scandals.