Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church and one of the most influential spiritual figures of the 21st century, has died at the age of 88. Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, made the solemn announcement from Vatican City, stating: "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father..." Known for his humility, advocacy for the poor, and progressive stance on social and environmental issues, Francis led the Church through a transformative 12-year papacy. His passing follows a long battle with respiratory illness and a recent 38-day hospitalization.