Islamabad: Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed on Monday.

His death marks the end of a 12-year papacy that was often characterised by both reformist efforts and significant internal challenges.

Pope Francis had faced numerous health problems in recent years, including surgeries and ongoing ailments, which had affected his ability to fully carry out his duties.

The Vatican has not yet announced details regarding his funeral or the process of selecting his successor.

On Sunday, Pope Francis appealed for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and condemned the dire humanitarian conditions resulting from Israel's military campaign in the region.

Speaking to thousands gathered in Vatican City for the Easter Sunday Mass, he called for peace, the release of hostages, and global solidarity with both Israelis and Palestinians.

Pope Francis was elected as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013. His election followed the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, marking the first time in modern history that two popes lived concurrently within the Vatican.

Francis' papacy was characterised by efforts to reform and modernize the Church. He prioritized simplicity, choosing not to reside in the ornate Apostolic Palace, instead living in a communal residence for what he described as his "psychological health."

His agenda included addressing internal Vatican issues, such as the child sex abuse crisis and administrative dysfunction, and promoting interfaith dialogue, social justice, and environmental stewardship.

His approach, however, drew both support and criticism. While he gained popularity worldwide for his humility and advocacy for marginalized communities, including migrants and the poor, he faced significant opposition within the Church. Conservative critics accused him of undermining traditional doctrine, while some progressive voices felt he had not gone far enough in implementing reform.

Francis made numerous international visits, drawing large crowds and often using his platform to promote peace and unity across religious and national divides. His efforts to shape a more inclusive and responsive Church made him one of the most prominent global religious figures of the 21st century.

With his passing, attention will now turn to the College of Cardinals, nearly 80% of whom were appointed by Francis himself.

Leaders across the world were reacting to the pope's death with praise for his efforts to reform the worldwide church and offering condolences to the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

'He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate,' said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Jose Ramos-Horta, the president of East Timor, where Francis had visited in September 2024 as part of the longest foreign trip of his papacy, said the pope 'leaves behind a profound legacy of humanity, of justice, of human fraternity'.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013, surprising many Church watchers who had seen the Argentine cleric, known for his concern for the poor, as an outsider.

He sought to project simplicity into the grand role and never took possession of the ornate papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors, saying he preferred to live in a community setting for his 'psychological health'.

He inherited a Church that was under attack over a child sex abuse scandal and torn by infighting in the Vatican bureaucracy, and was elected with a clear mandate to restore order.

But as his papacy progressed, he faced fierce criticism from conservatives, who accused him of trashing cherished traditions. He also drew the ire of progressives, who felt he should have done much more to reshape the 2,000-year-old Church.

While he struggled with internal dissent, Francis became a global superstar, drawing huge crowds on his many foreign travels as he tirelessly promoted interfaith dialogue and peace, taking the side of the marginalised, such as migrants.

Meanwhile President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pope Francis and paid tribute to the late Pope's commitment to interfaith harmony, compassion, and peaceful coexistence. The President extended his condolences on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan to the Vatican and the entire Catholic community on the sad demise.

While paying tribute to his services, the President said that Pope Francis would be remembered for his efforts in promoting peace, social justice, inter-faith dialogue, and the well-being of the most vulnerable communities worldwide. He remarked that Pope Francis was a powerful voice for peace and justice, and his efforts to bring together communities of different faiths and promote mutual understanding would always be remembered.

The President termed the Pope's passing as a great loss not only for Christians but for all those who valued peace and dialogue among religions.

Meanwhile in his statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pope Francis was a strong advocate for interfaith harmony, peace and the promotion of humanity. Under his leadership, the Catholic Church spread the message of love, tolerance and mutual respect across the world.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pope Francis statement on Easter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Palestine and an end to human rights violations is a reflection of his peace loving and humanitarian personality.

The Prime Minister said the death of Pope Francis is an irreparable loss for the entire world, especially the Christian community.