The Pope’s health had been deteriorating in recent months, raising global concern. His final public appearance, though brief, was powerful—a symbolic gesture from a man whose influence reached far beyond the walls of the Vatican. As tributes pour in from leaders, clergy, and ordinary people around the globe,

many reflect on his legacy: a voice for the poor, a bridge between faiths, and a leader unafraid to challenge tradition. The Vatican has announced that preparations for his funeral and the selection of his successor will begin immediately, as the world mourns the loss of one of the most beloved spiritual figures of the 21st century.