What happened?
Pope Francis, the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, died at 88, the Vatican confirmed on Monday. The Argentine-born Jorge Mario Bergoglio passed away at 7:35 a.m., a day after his first public appearance since a prolonged hospital stay for pneumonia. Elected in 2013, Francis’ tenure was marked by attempts to modernise the Church, deep internal divisions, and global acclaim for his advocacy for the poor and marginalised.
Why it matters to India
Pope Francis maintained strong interfaith outreach and global diplomatic engagement that impacted India’s diverse religious landscape. His progressive stance on social issues often resonated with Indian civil society. India, home to a significant Catholic population, was influenced by his promotion of peace, climate action, and migration rights. His death may shape future Vatican policy towards Asia, especially as 80% of cardinal electors were appointed by him, hinting at continuity in India-Vatican relations.