Kei te tangi te ao mō te ngaronga o te Popa – Pope Francis has passed away

Kei te tangi te ao mō te ngaronga o te Popa. Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88, after battling double pneumonia.

The Vatican confirmed his death on Easter Monday. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, he became pope in 2013.

Known for his humble approach, he rejected luxury and focused on the poor and vulnerable. His leadership brought big changes to the Church, but also deep division.

Despite that, he remained a global voice for peace, justice, and manaakitanga, especially for migrants and the marginalised.

Francis appointed most of the cardinals who will now choose his successor — a sign his legacy may live on.

Haere atu rā e te Popa, moe mai i te rangimārie o te Atua.

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