Pope Francis's impact on the Catholic Church and global community celebrated

Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, was a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, known for his common touch and advocacy for marginalized communities. Elected in 2013, he was the first Pope from the Americas and emphasized compassion for those on society's peripheries. Despite facing controversy over his liberal approach and challenges like financial reform and the sexual abuse scandal, he was a vocal advocate for peace during global conflicts and encouraged vaccine sharing during the pandemic. His tenure was marked by his focus on fraternity and care for the earth and humanity.