Pope Francis Funeral Updates: World Leaders and Mourners Gather at Vatican

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, rose from humble beginnings to become the first Jesuit and Latin American pope in 2013. Throughout his 12-year papacy, he emphasized inclusivity, advocating for migrants and the marginalized, while addressing the church’s sexual abuse scandals and promoting environmental awareness through his encyclical “Laudato Si.” His tenure also featured significant diplomatic efforts, such as facilitating U.S.-Cuba relations, and he often challenged conservative views within the church, earning both support and criticism.

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