Pope Francis has gone to be with the Lord at the age of 88.

The world is experiencing a profound sense of loss following the death of a spiritual leader, a defender of the disadvantaged, and a source of inspiration for millions globally. Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy characterized by compassion, humility, and a dedication to social justice.

Originally named Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis became the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church in 2013, after Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation. Throughout his papacy, he gained recognition for his progressive stances on various issues, including climate change, poverty, and immigration, while striving to reform the Catholic Church and make it more inclusive and accountable.

His passing has caused an outpouring of grief worldwide, with both Catholics and non-Catholics mourning the loss of a leader known for his kindness, empathy, and dedication to helping others. The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’ funeral will take place in the upcoming days, with the College of Cardinals set to convene to select a new Pope.

Pope Francis’ life was dedicated to serving others. As a young priest in Argentina, he tirelessly worked to uplift the poor and marginalized, and continued to advocate for the rights of vulnerable communities as a bishop.

In his role as Pope, he used his position to highlight critical issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change, while promoting interfaith dialogue and collaboration. He was an ardent advocate for environmental care, earning acclaim for his groundbreaking encyclical, “Laudato Si,'” which compellingly addressed the environmental crises our planet faces.

A true ally of the oppressed and destitute, Pope Francis’ advocacy for their needs was relentless. He openly criticized economic systems that foster inequality and poverty, promoting a fairer distribution of resources.

Pope Francis was also a staunch supporter of migrants and refugees, raising awareness about the challenges faced by those forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or poverty. His message of hope and empathy resonated with individuals globally, ensuring that his legacy will motivate others towards creating a more just and equitable world.

His legacy serves as a testament to hope and compassion, and his absence will be keenly felt by people of various faiths and cultural backgrounds. Nevertheless, his messages of love, kindness, and community service will continue to inspire everyone, with his impactful legacy living on through the many lives he influenced and the numerous initiatives he started.

As we grieve the loss of this extraordinary spiritual leader, we are reminded of the transformative power of faith and compassion. We are also prompted to commit to a life of service and to strive for a fairer world for everyone.

Tributes and condolences have been flooding in from across the globe, with individuals from diverse backgrounds paying homage to Pope Francis’ memory. Leaders, religious figures, and ordinary citizens alike have been touched by his hopeful and compassionate message, which will continue to encourage us toward building a more equitable world.

In bidding farewell to this extraordinary spiritual figure, we recall Pope Francis’ own words: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” May we find inspiration in his legacy to confront the challenges of our era and strive for a fairer and more just world for everyone.