Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away Monday morning at the age of 88, only hours after calling for a ceasefire in Gaza during his Easter Sunday speech at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. He was surrounded by cardinals and family.

His death was announced by Vatican camerlengo and Cardinal Kevin Ferrell.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of his Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the lord and of his Church,” the announcement read.

Aside from the late pope being known for his humbleness and kind nature, he was a friend of the Islamic world and an avid caller for Muslim-Christian cooperation and understanding. 

He was the first pope to visit the Arabian peninsula in 2019 during a trip to the United Arab Emirates.

He also traveled to numerous Muslim countries throughout his 12-year reign, namely Egypt multiple times, Iraq in 2021 and Indonesia in 2024.

Additionally, Francis was an avid supporter of Palestinian rights. 

The Catholic Church formally recognized the State of Palestine in 2013, shortly after Francis became pope.

He also called for a ceasefire in Israel’s grueling war in Gaza numerous times, as well as making phone calls with ordinary Palestinians trapped in the enclave, checking in on their safety and wellbeing.

He once famously remarked “This is no longer war, it is terrorism” in 2023.

The late pope was the first non-European to lead the Catholic World.