Vatican city, Apr 21: Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church and a strong advocate for social justice, has passed away at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death on Monday, marking the end of a transformative papacy that spanned more than a decade.

Throughout his tenure, Pope Francis was recognized for his efforts to modernize the Church and address global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and interfaith unity. His passing comes just after Easter Sunday, a time of deep significance for millions of Christians worldwide.

World leaders and religious figures are expressing their condolences, highlighting his profound impact on faith and humanitarian causes. The Vatican is expected to release details regarding memorial services and the process for selecting his successor in the days ahead.