Introduction
Catholic Christian religious leader Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. According to the Vatican, the Pope took his last breath at 7:35 am on 21st April. Pope Francis was the first Latin American Pope in history.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death at 9:45 AM by saying "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father."
Who was Pope Francis?
Pope Francis was known as the 'People's Pope'. He was the first person to become Pope from Latin America. There had been no non-European bishop in Rome since the death of Syrian-born Gregory III in 741. He was also the first Jesuit to be elected to the throne of St. Peter. His legacy as Pope lasted for more than a decade. During this time he visited many countries to spread the message of peace and compassion. He also made many records to his name.
Pope Francis's Tenure and Records
Former Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the first pope to adopt the name Francis before being elected as the first pope from Latin America on March 13, 2013. He became the 266th pope. His tenure as pope lasted 12 years and 1 month, longer than the average tenure of 7.5 years of his 265 predecessors. He became the second-oldest pope in history. The longest-serving pope was Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903 at the age of 93.
Cardinals Appointed by Pope Francis
During his 12-year tenure, Pope Francis appointed 109 cardinals, who are now eligible to vote for the next pope. Currently, 135 of the 252 cardinals (princes of the church with red hats) are under the age of 80. They are therefore eligible under church law to enter a conclave to elect the next pope. Those eligible to vote are known as cardinal electors. In addition to electing the next pope, cardinals advise the pope during his term. Often leading powerful departments within the Vatican bureaucracy.
Pope Francis's Global Travels
Pope Francis has traveled far and wide to spread his message of peace and compassion. He has traveled 47 times outside Italy, during which he visited more than 65 countries. About a third of all countries globally. His international travels cover more than 4,65,000 kilometers over 12 years.
Who Will Be the Next Pope?
A papal conclave typically begins 15 to 20 days after a pope's death. The pope is elected according to centuries-old Vatican traditions. The College of Cardinals under the age of 80 will vote in secret inside the Sistine Chapel. A two-thirds majority is needed to elect a new pope. A few names that are at the forefront among the successors of the Pope are Luis Antonio (Philippines), Pietro Parolin (Italy), Peter Turkson (Ghana), Peter Erdo (Hungary), and Angelo Scola (Italy).