AceShowbiz - Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff known for his humble demeanor and profound impact on the Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88. His leadership was marked by a compassionate outreach to the marginalized yet sparked significant debates among conservatives.

Pope Francis, whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, became the 266th pope in March 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He passed away on Monday, April 21 following a prolonged battle with pneumonia that led to a respiratory crisis in February. His death was deeply mourned, with bells tolling across Rome and flags flying at half-staff in honor of his life and service.

From his initial greeting "Buonasera" ("Good evening") as pope, Francis set a new tone for the papacy. He was known for his humility and dedication to the poor, often focusing on the needs of society's fringe members.

He signaled this through his simple lifestyle, living in the Vatican hotel instead of the Apostolic Palace and prioritizing service over grandeur. He famously advocated for a "poor church for the poor."

Francis' tenure, however, wasn't without controversy. He alienated conservatives with his critiques of capitalism, outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics, and progressive stances on climate change and socio-economic issues. "Who am I to judge?" he once said.

On the flip side, Francis maintained traditional Catholic doctrines such as the opposition to abortion and the all-male, celibate priesthood. He introduced reforms to address sexual abuse within the church, although his handling of the crisis had its critics.

Additionally, Francis defied norms by granting women significant decision-making roles within the church and allowing them to vote alongside bishops in Vatican meetings. His actions reflected his vision of a church built on cooperation rather than domination.

Despite contentious moments, Francis' papacy was characterized by his deep commitment to social justice. From criticizing wealth disparity to urging protection for refugees, his efforts often stirred both admirers and critics. As the world prepares for the conclave to elect a new pope, Francis' transformative influence on the Catholic Church is undeniably profound and likely to be remembered for generations.