Pope Francis dies at 88. And, House Democrats press for Abrego Garcia's return
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Gone at age 88, Pope Francis was one of the most popular popes in decades and a towering figure on the world stage. And, House Democrats visit El Salvador to demand Kilmar Abrego Garcia's return.
Pope Francis dies at 88. And, House Democrats press for Abrego Garcia's return Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day. Today's top stories Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. He was the first non-European head of the Roman Catholic Church in over a millennium and was one of the most popular popes in decades. He was elected to his exalted post in 2013 and cast an image of humility during years of strain and change, within his church and worldwide. toggle caption Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images 🎧 The pope had been struggling with life-threatening double pneumonia, but was released from the hospital late last month after making a recovery, NPR's Ruth Sherlock tells Up First. The Vatican announced his death happened at 7:35 this morning. He was starting to make more public appearances and even made one yesterday at Easter Mass. At the Mass, his message focused a lot on the conflict happening in Israel and Gaza. He called again for an immediate ceasefire to the fighting in the Gaza Strip. late last month after making a recovery, NPR's Ruth Sherlock tells Up First. The Vatican announced his death happened at 7:35 this morning. He was starting to make more public appearances and even made one yesterday at Easter Mass. At the Mass, his message focused a lot on the conflict happening in Israel and Gaza. He called again for an immediate ceasefire to the fighting in the Gaza Strip. 🎧 NPR's Jason DeRose, who has covered Pope Francis for years, says several issues that he addressed during his 12 years of papacy stick with him, including immigration, environment, politics and gender and LGBTQ+ issues. One of his legacies will be his openness to dialogue. He believed the church should listen to the people within the pews. There was also a return to the church for people who had left during previous…