Tributes pour in for Pope Francis as Vatican begins funeral rites
The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis died at age 88 from a stroke and heart failure.
(NBC)- As tributes continue to pour in for Pope Francis—known by many as the “People’s Pope”—the Catholic Church begins the solemn process of mourning a leader who pushed the faith toward a more progressive path.
“Pope Francis had a way of getting the Church to think outside the box,” said Monsignor Francis Rector of the Cathedral of Christ the King, reflecting on the late pontiff’s impact. The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis died at age 88 from a stroke and heart failure. Traditional funeral rites are now underway, with rosaries prayed across the globe as the faithful mourn his passing. Cardinals have gathered at the Vatican for their first formal meeting since the pope’s death to finalize funeral arrangements and begin preparations for the upcoming Conclave that will determine his successor.
President Donald Trump, who has announced plans to attend the funeral, remembered Pope Francis as “a good man, worked hard. He loved the world.” But beyond the formal ceremonies and global dignitaries, Pope Francis is being remembered most for his unwavering devotion to the poor and marginalized.
“He is the Pope of the poor, the Pope of the marginalized, underprivileged,” said Reverend Monsignor Walter R. Rossi.
For many, his compassion left a lasting personal impression. Jocelyn Aquino, who met Pope Francis as a 12-year-old during his only visit to the United States in 2015, recalled the powerful moment.
“This is the leader of the Catholic Church, the most powerful man—and I was like, WOW—you spoke to me in my native language,” said Aquino, the daughter of immigrants from El Salvador. “It was just amazing.”
The first pope from Latin America, Pope Francis connected deeply with diverse communities around the world. His 2015 address to Congress was one of many moments that extended his influence beyond the Catholic Church. He was never afraid to voice strong opinions—calling for an end to wars in Ukraine and Gaza, advocating for immigrant rights, and showing openness toward the LGBTQ community. Though often at odds with traditionalists, he remained committed to a vision of inclusion and reform.
