VATICAN CITY, April 21 (Reuters) - Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died, the Vatican said in a video statement on Monday, ending an often turbulent reign marked by division and tension as he sought to overhaul the hidebound institution. He was 88, and had recently survived a serious bout of double pneumonia.

“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican’s TV channel.

“At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013, surprising many Church watchers who had seen the Argentine cleric, known for his concern for the poor, as an outsider.

He sought to project simplicity into the grand role and never took possession of the ornate papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors, saying he preferred to live in a community setting for his “psychological health”.

He inherited a Church that was under attack over a child sex abuse scandal and torn by infighting in the Vatican bureaucracy, and was elected with a clear mandate to restore order.

But as his papacy progressed, he faced fierce criticism from conservatives, who accused him of trashing cherished traditions. He also drew the ire of progressives, who felt he should have done much more to reshape the 2,000-year-old Church.

While he struggled with internal dissent, Francis became a global superstar, drawing huge crowds on his many foreign travels as he tirelessly promoted interfaith dialogue and peace, taking the side of the marginalised, such as migrants.

Unique in modern times, there were two men wearing white in the Vatican for much of Francis’ rule, with his predecessor Benedict opting to continue to live in the Holy See after his shock resignation in 2013 had opened the way for a new pontiff.

Benedict, a hero of the conservative cause, died in December 2022, finally leaving Francis alone on the papal stage.

Francis appointed nearly 80% of the cardinal electors who will choose the next pope correct as of February 2025, increasing the possibility that his successor will continue his progressive policies, despite the strong pushback from traditionalists.

  • Awoo [she/her]
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    913 months ago

    Shit. It can only go downhill from here. Francis was the least awful Pope to ever exist. He actually encouraged christians to be christ-like.

    We could easily have some shithead in the role next who encourages christians to be the worst people imaginable, it could be so much worse.

    • SoyViking [he/him]
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      453 months ago

      We will get the MAGA pope with a hard-on for the crusades, itching to bless a holy war against China.

      • Awoo [she/her]
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        323 months ago

        I’m legitimately worried that there are some among the cardinals who would want to cozy up to those people.

        • Salem [he/him]
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          333 months ago

          Francis appointed 80% of the current cardinals, I think. It is something to take solace into at least

          • Awoo [she/her]
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            233 months ago

            Hopefully he appointed them ideologically and not based on seniority or merit to the organisation, both of which wouldn’t necessarily produce good outcomes for us.

    • Fox [he/him]
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      173 months ago

      For what it is worth Pope Francis appointed 80% of the current cardinals so I very much doubt the next Pope will be much different to him. The Philippines’ very own Luis Tagle seems to be the favourite

  • AntifaSuperWombat [she/her]
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    793 months ago

    increasing the possibility that his successor will continue his progressive policies

    How do people still fall for this propaganda bullshit? This guy outright said “Gender ideology is the ugliest danger of our time” and was in favour of conversion torture. How can you even remotely think of the word “progressive” when describing this genocidal fucking freak? badeline-scream

  • Damarcusart [he/him, comrade/them]
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    633 months ago

    He inherited a Church that was under attack over a child sex abuse scandal

    What the hell kind of statement is this? “Damn those nosy investigators and anti-child sex abuse people! They should just mind their own business and stop attacking innocent powerful worldwide organisations!”

  • anarchoilluminati [comrade/them]
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    613 months ago

    He just died? Wow. I didn’t know that. You’re telling me now for the first time. He led an amazing life. What else can you say? He was an amazing woman, whether you agreed or not. He was an amazing woman who led an amazing life. I’m actually sad to hear that. I am sad to hear that. Thank you very much.

    • PKMKII [none/use name]
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      133 months ago

      I mean, having to listen to Vance go on in detail about breastfeeding as the major reason for women to be trad wives would make anyone want to shed their mortal coil.

  • Leegh [he/him]
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    503 months ago

    I’m conflicted, should I get the crabs out cause it’s the leader of the biggest pdf organization on the planet, or should I mourn cause he’s the most progressive pope we’ll probably ever get in our lifetimes?

  • joaomarrom [he/him, comrade/them]
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    483 months ago

    fuck the Vatican, but the guy was at least on the right side when it comes to Palestine, so I’ll press F and blow the fattest vape cloud I can muster out my window

    • SoyViking [he/him]
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      293 months ago

      The politicking fails, Trump throws a tantrum and he appoints a Miami-based antipope.

      • Evilsandwichman [none/use name]
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        283 months ago

        Trump could literally do a Henry the 8th and start his own church and he’d have a gigantic congregation ready; think prosperity theology but nearly so severely restrained.

        • PKMKII [none/use name]
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          173 months ago

          It would be the terminally online groyper trad cath movement come full circle, a completely non-practicing Protestant declaring himself the head of a new Catholic Church with all the social regression but none of the sense of history or social service obligation.

          • SoyViking [he/him]
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            123 months ago

            They will build him a new Vatican. Imagine St. Peter’s church but built from plastic, drywall and glue-on stucco. Or as a Neom style gadget-building with LED’s on the dome that ends up as a Ponzi scheme attached to an undeveloped lot.

        • CloutAtlas [he/him]
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          153 months ago

          He’s just gonna declare himself the Pope and no-one will do anything to stop him except stern words.

    • InevitableSwing [none/use name]
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      223 months ago

      I made some calls. I talked to my guys. There’s gonna be a Pope Ballot. I want a Pope that’s good for Trump. There’s a guy I like. He could win - maybe. Reminds me of Pope Alexander VI. Pope Alexander VI - best Pope. Christopher Columbus found lotsa New World Land. And Pope Alexander VI took it. And it was his. That’s good. He had lots of kids because he had lots of mistresses. Busy Pope. Very, very busy. Lotsa nepotism. Pope Alexander VI was a strong and powerful Pope.

      Jeremy Irons played Pope Alexander VI in the tv series. Won’t watch. That girl at Studio 54 was mine. Actors. Never trust an actor.

    • Hestia [she/her, fae/faer]
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      103 months ago

      Due to inflation they had to use potatoes instead of eggs.

      The Pope actually choked on a potato thinking it was an egg.

  • Lerios [hy/hym]
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    323 months ago

    yoooo apparently they’re going to reenact conclave (2024) in real life 😍 art really can change the world #peaceandlove