Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of over 1.4 billion Catholics and a pioneering figure in modern Church history, died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday. The Vatican confirmed his passing, stating that the pontiff died peacefully at 7:35 am local time.

Elected in 2013 as the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to occupy the papacy, Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, served the Church with a pastoral approach rooted in humility, social justice, and reform. Fulfilling his personal wish, he became the first pope in more than a hundred years to be laid to rest outside the Vatican, with his burial taking place at Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.

Health decline in final months

Pope Francis’ health had been a major concern in recent months. Hospitalised on February 14 with bronchitis, his condition was later diagnosed as bilateral pneumonia, accompanied by early signs of kidney failure. Though he made a public appearance from the hospital balcony in March, his condition remained precarious.

Despite these challenges, the pope appeared at the Vatican on Easter Sunday, offering his blessings to thousands of worshippers. His final public engagement came just a day before his passing, after meeting US Vice President JD Vance.

A legacy of reform and compassion

Francis inherited a Church under scrutiny for clerical sexual abuse scandals and internal divisions. Over 12 years, he steered the Church toward openness and inclusion while facing criticism from both conservative and progressive factions.

• Advocated for: migrants’ rights, environmental protection, and social equity
• Confronted: sexual abuse within clergy with institutional reforms
• Milestones:
  • First pope to allow blessings for same-sex couples
  • Appointed women leaders in Vatican offices
  • Authored four major doctrinal documents
  • Created 900+ saints
  • Travelled to 65+ countries on 47 foreign visits
    

Final rites and conclave

Pope Francis’ funeral and burial rites will break from tradition. Opting for a single wooden and zinc coffin instead of the traditional three, he emphasized humility even in death. His burial at Santa Maria Maggiore reflects his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary.

The first Latin American to head the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed on Monday. He died after a prolonged illness.

Pope Francis succeeded as pope in 2013 following the resignation of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, a first as well.

Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis faced multiple health challenges, including a particularly serious bout of double pneumonia in recent months.

The next pope will be elected by the cardinals some 15-20 days later.

Earlier this year, Pope Francis was hospitalized on February 14 for bronchitis. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and reported to be in a “critical condition.” During this period, the Vatican also announced signs of “initial, mild” kidney failure.

He made a public appearance on March 23, greeting supporters from a balcony of the hospital and offering a thumbs-up. Later, he returned to the Vatican to undertake two months of prescribed rest.

He participated in the Easter Sunday Service as well yesterday. A day earlier, he had met US Vice President JD Vance.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, at the age of 76. His election marked a shift for the Church, which was grappling with a child sex abuse scandal and internal conflicts.

Despite facing significant criticism from both conservative and progressive factions within the Church, Pope Francis became a global icon, renowned for his commitment to interfaith dialogue and advocacy for marginalized communities, including migrants.

During his papacy, he issued four major teaching documents, and embarked on 47 foreign trips to over 65 countries. He also canonized more than 900 saints.

Notably, Pope Francis aimed to modernize the Church by permitting priests to bless same-sex couples in certain circumstances and appointing women to leadership positions within the Vatican for the first time. Furthermore, he held five major summits of Catholic bishops to address contentious issues such as women’s ordination and Church sexual teachings.

In a provocative address to overseas Pakistanis, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir has reiterated Islamabad’s uncompromising position on Kashmir, asserting that it remains Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and would never be forgotten. His remarks, delivered while addressing a gathering of Pakistanis abroad, are likely to provoke a strong diplomatic reaction from India.

General Munir described those residing overseas as Pakistan’s “ambassadors” and urged them to uphold what he called a “superior ideology and culture.” He framed his statements within the context of the two-nation theory, which served as the ideological foundation for the creation of Pakistan in 1947. Emphasising civilizational differences, he said, “Our forefathers thought that we are different from the Hindus in every aspect of life… our religions, our customs, traditions, thoughts and ambitions are different.”

The two-nation theory, championed by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, has long been a source of ideological division between India and Pakistan. It directly opposes the vision of a united India based on secular values and shared heritage.

Assertion on Kashmir and national identity

Referring to the ongoing dispute over Kashmir, General Munir said, “It was our jugular vein, it will be our jugular vein, we will not forget it.” He further added, “We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle,” framing the Kashmir issue as central to Pakistan’s national narrative and identity.

In a broader nationalist tone, General Munir urged Pakistanis to keep narrating the country’s creation story to future generations to maintain a strong bond with the nation.

Stance on terrorism and Balochistan separatism

Touching upon concerns related to terrorism and investment, the Pakistan Army chief dismissed doubts about the country’s stability, stating, “The 1.3 million-strong Indian Army, with all its wherewithal, if they cannot intimidate us, do you think these terrorists can subdue the armed forces of Pakistan?”

On the issue of Balochistan, where separatist movements have long challenged the central authority, Munir declared the province to be “Pakistan’s pride” and warned against any illusions of secession. “You won’t be able to take it in 10 generations,” he said, pledging that the military will decisively counter separatist groups.

Implications for India-Pakistan relations

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is yet to issue an official response, but given the sharply worded statements, diplomatic engagement or condemnation is anticipated. General Munir’s comments underscore the enduring friction between the two nations and reinforce the Pakistan Army’s dominant role in shaping Islamabad’s foreign and domestic policies.