Pope Francis Dies At The Age Of 88

Francis became the first non-European pontiff in 2013 as the 266th Pope after Pope Benedict XVI resigned.

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88.

He was the first Latin American pontiff who ministered through a humble style and concern for the poor, but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change.

Francis became the first non-European pontiff in 2013 as the 266th Pope after Pope Benedict XVI resigned.

The church leader suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, and was admitted to a hospital in February for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia.

He spent 38 days there. That marked the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy. He made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday to bless thousands of people.