The life and times of Pope Francis

Pope Francis died on Monday aged 88, a day after making a much hoped-for appearance at Saint Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, the Vatican said in a statement. Here's a look at his life and contributions.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he made history in 2013 as the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years and the first from the Jesuit order.

His leadership has ushered in significant reforms, emphasising humility, inclusivity, and social justice.

 Among his most notable achievements are the papal encyclical Laudato Si’, which addresses climate change and environmental stewardship; efforts to foster unity among Catholics, non-Catholics and non-Christians; historic apologies to survivors of clergy sexual abuse; and the promotion of women to roles traditionally held by men within the Church.