Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who expressed deep sorrow and gratitude for Francis. Despite his poor health, Pope Francis made several public appearances during Holy Week, including an Easter Sunday blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Latin American pope and served as the 266th supreme pontiff since his election in 2013. His tenure was marked by humility, outreach to marginalized communities, and advocacy for migrants. He often faced criticism from conservative Catholic forces, particularly in the United States. 

Earlier this year, Pope Francis suffered a severe health crisis, including double pneumonia, which led to a five-week hospitalization. Despite his critical condition, he recovered and continued his duties, meeting briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday. However, his health deteriorated rapidly, leading to his passing on April 21, 2025. Condolences and tributes poured in from around the world, highlighting his impact on millions of lives. The Vatican announced that Cardinal Farrell would act as the head of the Vatican until a new pope is chosen. Pope Francis's legacy as a voice for the poor and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church will be remembered by many.

Jim Ryan from ABC News joined the show to discuss these events, reflecting on Pope Francis's contributions and the global reaction to his passing. The pope's tireless efforts to reshape the Church and advocate for social justice have left a lasting impression on the world.