Millions of Catholics and global leaders are mourning the death of Pope Francis at age 88. Though controversial, he is remembered by many as a man of hope, humility and humanity.
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00:00Morning bells ring out across Vatican City, a salute to Pope Francis marking
00:08his death at 88. Crowds of pilgrims who flocked to the Holy City for Easter
00:13celebrations now gathering in St. Peter's Square to pray and pay tribute to the
00:18266th leader of the Catholic Church.
00:30It's a moment of a bit of sadness and at the same time thankfulness and
00:39celebration of life. As words spread at the Pope's death, special services have
00:45been held in every corner of the world. In the Buenos Aires Church where Francis
00:50grew up and learned the teachings of the Catholic faith, hundreds of people,
00:53including Argentine authorities, filled the halls for Mass, remembering him for the
00:58man he was and the change he brought with his leadership. Francis was a
01:02transformative figure in the Catholic Church, known for progressive reforms
01:06including making the church more welcoming for the LGBTQ plus community.
01:10He put on the table and didn't open the need of transparency in the church,
01:16the need of reforming of the church that were so long since so long.
01:22In the Philippines, home to one of the world's biggest Catholic populations,
01:28followers said his humility was a source of inspiration.
01:32It was a huge factor in the church. As our youths, he is one of the most important things.
01:40He is the most important thing to us since he is a vicar of Christ.
01:47In his honour, flags of countries across the globe are flying at half-staff. In Paris,
01:54the lights of the Eiffel Tower switched off to mark his passing. His papacy wasn't without
02:00controversy, including backlash over comments he made about victims of a pedophile priest in Chile,
02:06accusing them of slander. Despite that, world leaders are honouring his commitment to protecting the
02:11vulnerable. Pope Francis' compassion embraced all humanity and today he will be mourned by Catholics
02:21and non-Catholics alike. Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres described
02:27Francis as a beacon of hope, humility and humanity. The pontiff often used his voice to call for the
02:33end of war, saying it's an impossible way to create a future. He leaves behind a legacy of faith,
02:39service and compassion for all, especially those on the margins of life or trapped by the horrors of
02:46conflict. When the war began between Hamas and Israel in 2023, the Pope began nightly calls to the
02:53Catholic parish in Gaza City. In his last public statement, Francis appealed for peace in Gaza,
02:59urging all parties to call for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages. Palestinians in the
03:06war-torn enclave held a mass to commemorate Francis, praising him for his support.
03:11I like the way he is standing with Palestinians and his courage to talk around the world about us.
03:19Francis' body now lies in a chapel in Vatican City, awaiting a funeral that could be held as soon as
03:24this weekend. It's set to draw world leaders and Catholics from across the globe, giving millions of
03:31followers a final chance to say goodbye and to honour the legacy he leaves behind, after 12 years as their
03:37spiritual leader. Devin Tsai, Reece Ayres and Rosie Greninger for Taiwan Plus