Pope Francis delivers the Urbi et Orbi message and blessing to the city and the world from the main balcony of St Peter's basilica in the Vatican. Photo: Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP
Pope Francis, the 266th head of the Catholic Church has died aged 88.
The Pontiff had been ill for some time with respiratory problems.
Born in 1936 in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis, whose name is Jorge Bergoglio, was the son of Italian immigrants.
He was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1969.
Four years later he became head of the Jesuits in Argentina, a time that coincided with the country's military dictatorship when thousands of people were tortured and killed.
Two priests were kidnapped, but later released, and years later Archbishop Bergoglio was criticised for failing to protect them.
He became a bishop in 1982 and 16 years later he became Archbishop of Buenos Aires and a Cardinal in 2001.
Port Moresby residents and chief Mundiya Kepanga in front of a poster about the venue of the Pope. Photo: AFP / DOZIER MARC / HEMIS.FR
After Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013, Begoglio was elected Pope on the fifth ballot of the conclave of cardinals.
He took the name Francis in honour of St Francis of Assisi.
Pope Francis was the first Pope from the western hemisphere and the first form South America and from a Jesuit order.
Pope Francis arrives to meet Catholic faithful of the diocese of Vanimo in front of Holy Cross Cathedral in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, on 8 September 2024. Photo: TIZIANA FABI / AFP
He had a reputation for humility, avoiding most of the trappings of office in favour of a more simple life.
As pope he followed a conservative line, speaking out against same sex marriage and reaffirming the church's opposition to abortion and the ordination of women as priests.
He also had to deal with the effects of historical sexual abuse scandals.
One of his significant achievements included the papal encyclical Laudato si (Praise Be to You) in 2015 which addressed the climate crisis and championed environmental stewardship. He is also recognised for promoting unity between Catholic and non-Catholics and non-Christians.
In December 2023 Pope Francis said in an interview that he wanted to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore rather than at the Vatican. He will be the first Pontiff buried in Santa Maria Maggiore since 1669.
