World

In pictures: Pope Francis’ journey of faith, reform, and compassion

World mourns passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church

By Web Desk
April 21, 2025
Pope Francis salutes the crowd as he arrives for his general audience in St Peters square at the Vatican on November 6, 2013. — AFP
Pope Francis salutes the crowd as he arrives for his general audience in St Peter's square at the Vatican on November 6, 2013. — AFP

The world is mourning the passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who died on Monday. His death came shortly after he had returned to the Vatican, having recovered from a serious case of double pneumonia.

Known for his tireless efforts to reform the Church and his compassionate stance on global issues, Pope Francis’ death marks the end of an era that was both challenging and transformative for the institution.

The Vatican confirmed the death in a video statement, highlighting the pontiff’s legacy as one of deep faith, humility, and service to humanity.

Lets have a look at some key moments in his life:

Pope Francis stands up at the end of a prayer vigil on the occasion of the Jubilee of Divine Mercy at St Peters square in Vatican on April 2, 2016. — AFP
Pope Francis stands up at the end of a prayer vigil on the occasion of the Jubilee of Divine Mercy at St Peter's square in Vatican on April 2, 2016. — AFP
Pope Francis (C) poses for a selfie as he meets young people at the Major Seminar in Daejeon, on August 15, 2014. — AFP
Pope Francis (C) poses for a selfie as he meets young people at the Major Seminar in Daejeon, on August 15, 2014. — AFP
Undated picture taken in Buenos Aires, released by Clarins journalist Sergio Rubin, of the then child Jorge Mario Bergoglio. — AFP
Undated picture taken in Buenos Aires, released by Clarin's journalist Sergio Rubin, of the then child Jorge Mario Bergoglio. — AFP
Handout photo released by San Lorenzo football club press service of Argentinian cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglios club membership ID card. — AFP
Handout photo released by San Lorenzo football club press service of Argentinian cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio's club membership ID card. — AFP
Picture taken in 1973 and released by Clarins journalist Sergio Rubin, of the then priest Jorge Mario Bergoglio. — AFP
Picture taken in 1973 and released by Clarin's journalist Sergio Rubin, of the then priest Jorge Mario Bergoglio. — AFP
Pope Francis walks past a crucifix, during a weekly general audience at St Peters square in Vatican on November 16, 2016. — AFP
Pope Francis walks past a crucifix, during a weekly general audience at St Peter's square in Vatican on November 16, 2016. — AFP
Pope Francis salutes the crowd as he arrives for his general audience in St Peters square at the Vatican on November 6, 2013. — AFP
Pope Francis salutes the crowd as he arrives for his general audience in St Peter's square at the Vatican on November 6, 2013. — AFP
Pope Francis drinks Mate while arriving for his weekly general audience in Saint Peters square in Vatican on October 12, 2016. — AFP
Pope Francis drinks Mate while arriving for his weekly general audience in Saint Peter's square in Vatican on October 12, 2016. — AFP
Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican on September 30, 2020. — AFP
Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican on September 30, 2020. — AFP
Pope emeritus Benedict XVI (L) speaks with Pope Francis during a papal mass for elderly people at St Peters square at the Vatican on September 28, 2014. — AFP
Pope emeritus Benedict XVI (L) speaks with Pope Francis during a papal mass for elderly people at St Peter's square at the Vatican on September 28, 2014. — AFP
Pope Francis waves to the crowd as he appears at the balcony to deliver his Christmas Urbi et Orbi blessing in St. Peters Square at The Vatican on December 25, 2022. — AFP
Pope Francis waves to the crowd as he appears at the balcony to deliver his Christmas Urbi et Orbi blessing in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican on December 25, 2022. — AFP
Pope Francis (C) releases a dove as a symbol of peace during a meeting with Chaldean community at the Catholic Church of St Simon Bar Sabbae in Tbilisi, on September 30, 2016. — AFP
Pope Francis (C) releases a dove as a symbol of peace during a meeting with Chaldean community at the Catholic Church of St Simon Bar Sabbae in Tbilisi, on September 30, 2016. — AFP
Pope Francis addresses the joint session of Congress in Washington, DC on September 24, 2014. — AFP
Pope Francis addresses the joint session of Congress in Washington, DC on September 24, 2014. — AFP
Pope Francis delivers his address at the Theatre of the University Cultural Centre in Singapore on September 12, 2024. — AFP
Pope Francis delivers his address at the Theatre of the University Cultural Centre in Singapore on September 12, 2024. — AFP
Pope Francis attends the celebration of the Way of the Cross on Good Friday at the Colosseum in Rome on March 29, 2013. — AFP
Pope Francis attends the celebration of the Way of the Cross on Good Friday at the Colosseum in Rome on March 29, 2013. — AFP
This photo taken and handout on April 20, 2025 by The Vatican Media shows Pope Francis at the main balcony of St Peters basilica during the Urbi et Orbi message and blessing to the city and the world as part of Easter celebrations, in The Vatican. — AFP
This photo taken and handout on April 20, 2025 by The Vatican Media shows Pope Francis at the main balcony of St Peter's basilica during the Urbi et Orbi message and blessing to the city and the world as part of Easter celebrations, in The Vatican. — AFP
Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the popemobile after the Easter mass, at St Peters square in the Vatican on April 20, 2025. — AFP
Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the popemobile after the Easter mass, at St Peter's square in the Vatican on April 20, 2025. — AFP