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Fort Benning takes back its old name, but to honor a different soldier

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Fort Benning takes back its old name, but to honor a different soldier
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Fort Benning takes back its old name, but to honor a different soldier

2025-04-17 01:43 Last Updated At:01:50

FORT BENNING (AP) — The Army officially restored the name Fort Benning to its storied training post in Georgia, only this time to honor an 18-year-old corporal who fought in World War I rather than a Confederate general.

A ceremony to make the name change official was held Wednesday at the base just outside Columbus. Roughly 70,000 soldiers, civilian workers and military family members are stationed at Fort Benning, which trains infantry troops and tank crews and is home to the elite Army Ranger School.

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Members of the Army military, Joe Galli, left, and Michael Doblosky, right, prepare for a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military, Joe Galli, left, and Michael Doblosky, right, prepare for a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

The Army's color guard is seen during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

The Army's color guard is seen during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter, stands at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter, stands at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, right, Fred Benning's granddaughter unveils a new sign at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, right, Fred Benning's granddaughter unveils a new sign at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military change a flag from Fort Moore to Fort Benning during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military change a flag from Fort Moore to Fort Benning during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, center, Fred Benning's granddaughter joined Army military officials during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, center, Fred Benning's granddaughter joined Army military officials during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter gives and interview in front of her grandfathers portrait hanging at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter gives and interview in front of her grandfathers portrait hanging at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter, talks with friends during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter, talks with friends during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Col. J.D. Evans smiles during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Col. J.D. Evans smiles during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter gives and interview in front of her grandfathers portrait hanging at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter gives and interview in front of her grandfathers portrait hanging at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military change a flag from Fort Moore to Fort Benning during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military change a flag from Fort Moore to Fort Benning during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, right, Fred Benning's granddaughter joined Army military officials during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, right, Fred Benning's granddaughter joined Army military officials during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military salute during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military salute during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

A statue stands during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

A statue stands during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Col. J.D. Evans' hat sits on a chair during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Col. J.D. Evans' hat sits on a chair during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter gives and interview in front of her grandfathers portrait hanging at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter gives and interview in front of her grandfathers portrait hanging at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military stand behind a new sign at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military stand behind a new sign at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter gives and interview in front of her grandfathers portrait hanging at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter gives and interview in front of her grandfathers portrait hanging at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, right, Fred Benning's granddaughter unveils a new sign at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, right, Fred Benning's granddaughter unveils a new sign at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

FILE - U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during the Central American Security Conference in Panama City, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix, file)

FILE - U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during the Central American Security Conference in Panama City, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix, file)

FILE - A bridge over I 185 marks the entrance to the U.S. Army's Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga., Aug. 21, 2015. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, file)

FILE - A bridge over I 185 marks the entrance to the U.S. Army's Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga., Aug. 21, 2015. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, file)

It's the second time in less than two years that Fort Benning commanders have been tasked with swapping out the post's name on everything from signs marking gates, streets, police cars and buildings to official stationery and websites. That will cost around $653,000, according to Fort Benning officials.

The last name change in 2023 redesignated the post as Fort Moore as part of a move started by Congress in 2020 and completed during President Joe Biden's administration to remove names that honored Confederate leaders, including from nine Army posts.

The name of Henry L. Benning, a former Georgia Supreme Court justice who vocally supported secession and served as a Confederate brigadier general in the Civil War, had adorned the base since it opened as Camp Benning in 1918.

Federal law now prohibits naming military bases for Confederates. The Pentagon under President Donald Trump has found a workaround for reverting bases back to what they were formerly called, by finding new soldiers to honor with the same last name.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last month ordered the change back to Fort Benning to honor Fred Benning, who was awarded the nation's second-highest honor for battlefield bravery as an 18-year-old corporal in 1918 and later was promoted to sergeant — a fact uncovered after Hegseth issued the memo.

Sue Conger-Williams, Benning’s granddaughter, recalled summers in Nebraska fishing with her grandfather and digging for earthworms while he watched for cars, but said she never learned much about his time in the Army.

“I am grateful for this glimpse into history, and I see some similarities, though, between Fred Benning the soldier and Fred Benning my grandpa,” Conger-Williams said. “These are integrity, hard work and a commitment to service.”

Fred Benning received his Distinguished Service Cross after returning home to Nebraska, where he started a bakery and served as mayor of the small town of Neligh. He died in 1974.

Conger-Williams sat up front at the ceremony with Benning's great-granddaughter and 10-month-old great-great-granddaughter as soldiers, veterans and locals milled around behind them.

Maj. Gen. Colin Tuley, the fort's commanding general, said people at Fort Benning knew little about Fred Benning, which sent historians poring over old records to piece together his legacy. During Wednesday's ceremony, Tuley noted that Benning took charge of his machine-gun platoon in October 1918 in France, leading 20 survivors through heavy fire, after their commander was killed.

“What sets him apart was his unwavering dedication to his soldiers, his understanding of the soldiers' needs," said Tuley.

During its short time as Fort Moore, the Georgia post became the first in the Army named for a couple: the late Lt. Gen. Hal Moore and his wife, Julia Moore.

Hal Moore served in Vietnam as commander of a cavalry battalion based at Fort Benning and was also a Distinguished Service Cross recipient. Julia Moore successfully lobbied the Pentagon to adopt a policy that military families would be notified of war casualties in person rather than by telegram.

"Whatever a name may be on an installation board, the Moores are an interwoven part of this installation and that will never go away," said Tuley.

In his March 3 memo ordering the return to the name Fort Benning, Hegseth directed the Army to find a new way to honor the Moores “in a manner that celebrates their significant contributions to the local community and the Army.”

The Army hasn't said how much the switch back to Fort Benning will cost. An Army commission in 2022 estimated the change to Fort Moore would cost at least $4.9 million.

Fort Benning is the second U.S. military base to have its 2023 name change reversed. The nation's largest Army installation was rechristened Fort Bragg in North Carolina last month, following a brief two years as Fort Liberty.

Members of the Army military, Joe Galli, left, and Michael Doblosky, right, prepare for a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military, Joe Galli, left, and Michael Doblosky, right, prepare for a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

The Army's color guard is seen during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

The Army's color guard is seen during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter, stands at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter, stands at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, right, Fred Benning's granddaughter unveils a new sign at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, right, Fred Benning's granddaughter unveils a new sign at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military change a flag from Fort Moore to Fort Benning during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military change a flag from Fort Moore to Fort Benning during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, center, Fred Benning's granddaughter joined Army military officials during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, center, Fred Benning's granddaughter joined Army military officials during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter gives and interview in front of her grandfathers portrait hanging at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter gives and interview in front of her grandfathers portrait hanging at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter, talks with friends during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter, talks with friends during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Col. J.D. Evans smiles during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Col. J.D. Evans smiles during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter gives and interview in front of her grandfathers portrait hanging at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter gives and interview in front of her grandfathers portrait hanging at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military change a flag from Fort Moore to Fort Benning during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military change a flag from Fort Moore to Fort Benning during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, right, Fred Benning's granddaughter joined Army military officials during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, right, Fred Benning's granddaughter joined Army military officials during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military salute during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military salute during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake of World War I Fred Benning on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

A statue stands during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

A statue stands during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Col. J.D. Evans' hat sits on a chair during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Col. J.D. Evans' hat sits on a chair during a ceremony at Fort Benning, honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter gives and interview in front of her grandfathers portrait hanging at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter gives and interview in front of her grandfathers portrait hanging at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military stand behind a new sign at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Members of the Army military stand behind a new sign at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter gives and interview in front of her grandfathers portrait hanging at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, Fred Benning's granddaughter gives and interview in front of her grandfathers portrait hanging at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, right, Fred Benning's granddaughter unveils a new sign at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Ms. Sue Conger-Williams, right, Fred Benning's granddaughter unveils a new sign at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring new namesake on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

FILE - U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during the Central American Security Conference in Panama City, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix, file)

FILE - U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during the Central American Security Conference in Panama City, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix, file)

FILE - A bridge over I 185 marks the entrance to the U.S. Army's Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga., Aug. 21, 2015. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, file)

FILE - A bridge over I 185 marks the entrance to the U.S. Army's Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga., Aug. 21, 2015. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, file)

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AP PHOTOS: Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff, dies at 88

2025-04-22 08:53 Last Updated At:09:02

Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, died Monday. He was 88.

Bells tolled in church towers across Rome after the announcement, which was read out by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis lived.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

FILE - Pope Francis waves to faithful as he is driven through the crowd during his visit to the island of Lampedusa, southern Italy, Monday July 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, file)

FILE - Pope Francis waves to faithful as he is driven through the crowd during his visit to the island of Lampedusa, southern Italy, Monday July 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, file)

FILE - Pope Francis drinks from a mate gourd at the end of his weekly general audience, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, on April 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

FILE - Pope Francis drinks from a mate gourd at the end of his weekly general audience, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, on April 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

FILE - Pope Francis twirls a soccer ball he was presented by a member of the Circus of Cuba, during his weekly general audience in the Pope Paul VI hall, at the Vatican, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

FILE - Pope Francis twirls a soccer ball he was presented by a member of the Circus of Cuba, during his weekly general audience in the Pope Paul VI hall, at the Vatican, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

FILE - Pope Francis is presented with a cake by Valentina Alazraki, correspondent for TeleVisa Univision, to celebrate his upcoming Dec. 17, 88th birthday, on the flight back to Rome at the end of his one-day visit to Ajaccio in the French island of Corsica, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, Pool, File)

FILE - Pope Francis is presented with a cake by Valentina Alazraki, correspondent for TeleVisa Univision, to celebrate his upcoming Dec. 17, 88th birthday, on the flight back to Rome at the end of his one-day visit to Ajaccio in the French island of Corsica, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, Pool, File)

FILE - Pope Francis prays as he holds an envelope before placing it in on of the cracks between the stones of the Western Wall, the holiest place where Jews can pray, in the old city of Jerusalem, Israel, Monday, May 26, 2014. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, Pool, file)

FILE - Pope Francis prays as he holds an envelope before placing it in on of the cracks between the stones of the Western Wall, the holiest place where Jews can pray, in the old city of Jerusalem, Israel, Monday, May 26, 2014. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, Pool, file)

FILE - Pope Francis walks through the gate of the former Nazi German death camp of Auschwitz in Oswiecim, Poland, Friday, July 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, file)

FILE - Pope Francis walks through the gate of the former Nazi German death camp of Auschwitz in Oswiecim, Poland, Friday, July 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, file)

FILE - Pope Francis arrives in a wheelchair at the end of a mass in St. Peter's Square, part of the Jubilee of the sick and the health workers, at the Vatican, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

FILE - Pope Francis arrives in a wheelchair at the end of a mass in St. Peter's Square, part of the Jubilee of the sick and the health workers, at the Vatican, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

FILE - Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, the day of his election, March 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, file)

FILE - Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, the day of his election, March 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, file)

FILE - Pope Francis, right, hugs Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI prior to the start of a meeting with elderly faithful in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Sept. 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)

FILE - Pope Francis, right, hugs Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI prior to the start of a meeting with elderly faithful in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Sept. 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)

A priest holds a sacrament bowl showing a photograph of Pope Francis at a Holy Mass at the John Garang Mausoleum in Juba, South Sudan Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)

A priest holds a sacrament bowl showing a photograph of Pope Francis at a Holy Mass at the John Garang Mausoleum in Juba, South Sudan Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)

FILE - Pope Francis greets a child as he walks in procession at the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe before celebrating Mass in Mexico City, Feb. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)

FILE - Pope Francis greets a child as he walks in procession at the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe before celebrating Mass in Mexico City, Feb. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)

Pope Francis and Scholas Occurrentes' President Jose Maria Del Corral, left, look at Newell's Old Boys captain, Argentine midfielder Maxi Rodriguez juggling a soccer ball at the launch of the 'Scholas Occurrentes' (Latin for, schools of meeting) international educational movement at the pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, Thursday, May 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Pope Francis and Scholas Occurrentes' President Jose Maria Del Corral, left, look at Newell's Old Boys captain, Argentine midfielder Maxi Rodriguez juggling a soccer ball at the launch of the 'Scholas Occurrentes' (Latin for, schools of meeting) international educational movement at the pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, Thursday, May 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

FILE - Pope Francis greets a group of Mexican pilgrims in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican during his weekly general audience, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

FILE - Pope Francis greets a group of Mexican pilgrims in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican during his weekly general audience, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

FILE - Pope Francis meets Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of a private audience at the Vatican, June 10, 2015. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, Pool, File)

FILE - Pope Francis meets Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of a private audience at the Vatican, June 10, 2015. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, Pool, File)

FILE - Pope Francis passes a portrait of himself as he arrives to meet youths in Santo Tomas University in Manila, Philippines, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

FILE - Pope Francis passes a portrait of himself as he arrives to meet youths in Santo Tomas University in Manila, Philippines, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

The Christ the Redeemer statue is lit up with an image of Pope Francis to mark the launch of his book, "Life: My Story Through History," in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, May 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo, File)

The Christ the Redeemer statue is lit up with an image of Pope Francis to mark the launch of his book, "Life: My Story Through History," in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, May 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo, File)

FILE - Pope Francis presides over the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) torchlight procession on Good Friday, a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary, in front of Rome's Colosseum, in Rome, Friday, April 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

FILE - Pope Francis presides over the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) torchlight procession on Good Friday, a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary, in front of Rome's Colosseum, in Rome, Friday, April 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

FILE - President Barack Obama and Pope Francis walk down the Colonnade before meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, file)

FILE - President Barack Obama and Pope Francis walk down the Colonnade before meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, file)

Ivanka Trump, first lady Melania Trump, and President Donald Trump stand with Pope Francis during a meeting, Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Ivanka Trump, first lady Melania Trump, and President Donald Trump stand with Pope Francis during a meeting, Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - Pope Francis prays at Israel's separation barrier on his way to a mass in Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Sunday, May 25, 2014. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, file)

FILE - Pope Francis prays at Israel's separation barrier on his way to a mass in Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Sunday, May 25, 2014. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, file)

FILE - Pope Francis gestures as he attends an annual gathering of pro-family organisations at the Auditorium della Conciliazione, in Rome, Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

FILE - Pope Francis gestures as he attends an annual gathering of pro-family organisations at the Auditorium della Conciliazione, in Rome, Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

FILE - Pope Francis, white figure standing alone at center, delivers an Urbi et orbi prayer from the empty St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Friday, March 27, 2020. (Yara Nardi/Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - Pope Francis, white figure standing alone at center, delivers an Urbi et orbi prayer from the empty St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Friday, March 27, 2020. (Yara Nardi/Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - Pope Francis, seen with a bruise on his head after he banged it on the popemobile when it stopped short amid swarms of well-wishers, talks to journalists during a press conference he held on board the flight to Rome, at the end of a five-day visit to Colombia, Monday, Sept. 11, 2017. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, pool, file)

FILE - Pope Francis, seen with a bruise on his head after he banged it on the popemobile when it stopped short amid swarms of well-wishers, talks to journalists during a press conference he held on board the flight to Rome, at the end of a five-day visit to Colombia, Monday, Sept. 11, 2017. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, pool, file)

FILE - Pope Francis, centre, sits as the coffin of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI St. Peter's Square is carrying during a funeral mass at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, file)

FILE - Pope Francis, centre, sits as the coffin of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI St. Peter's Square is carrying during a funeral mass at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, file)

FILE - Pope Francis helped to get on his car at the end of weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, March 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

FILE - Pope Francis helped to get on his car at the end of weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, March 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

FILE - Pope Francis meets Spider-Man, who presents him with his mask, at the end of his weekly general audience with a limited number of faithful in the San Damaso Courtyard at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

FILE - Pope Francis meets Spider-Man, who presents him with his mask, at the end of his weekly general audience with a limited number of faithful in the San Damaso Courtyard at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

FILE - Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, left, and Pope Francis meet, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in front of a gigantic statue of former Khagan of the Mongol Empire Genghis Khan in Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)

FILE - Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, left, and Pope Francis meet, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in front of a gigantic statue of former Khagan of the Mongol Empire Genghis Khan in Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)

FILE - Pope Francis wears a traditional Mexican sombrero hat he received as a gift by a Mexican journalist aboard the plane during the flight from Rome to Habana, Cuba, on his way to a week-long trip to Mexico, Friday, Feb. 12, 2016. (Alessandro Di Meo/Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - Pope Francis wears a traditional Mexican sombrero hat he received as a gift by a Mexican journalist aboard the plane during the flight from Rome to Habana, Cuba, on his way to a week-long trip to Mexico, Friday, Feb. 12, 2016. (Alessandro Di Meo/Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - In this Aug. 7, 2009 file photo, Argentina's Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio gives a Mass outside the San Cayetano church where an Argentine flag hangs behind in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, file)

FILE - In this Aug. 7, 2009 file photo, Argentina's Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio gives a Mass outside the San Cayetano church where an Argentine flag hangs behind in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, file)

FILE - Pope Francis leaves after celebrating the Palm Sunday's mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican April 2, 2023, a day after being discharged from the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, where he has been treated for bronchitis. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)

FILE - Pope Francis leaves after celebrating the Palm Sunday's mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican April 2, 2023, a day after being discharged from the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, where he has been treated for bronchitis. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)

FILE - Pope Francis consoles Serena Subania who lost her daughter Angelica, 5 years old, the day before as he leaves the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital after receiving treatment for a bronchitis, in Rome, Saturday, April 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, file)

FILE - Pope Francis consoles Serena Subania who lost her daughter Angelica, 5 years old, the day before as he leaves the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital after receiving treatment for a bronchitis, in Rome, Saturday, April 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, file)

FILE - Pope Francis holds the pastoral staff as he leaves after celebrating a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, to mark Epiphany, Monday, Jan. 6, 2014. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

FILE - Pope Francis holds the pastoral staff as he leaves after celebrating a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, to mark Epiphany, Monday, Jan. 6, 2014. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

FILE - A seagull flies in front of Pope Francis as he speaks to the faithful gathered under pouring rain in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican for the traditional Sunday's noon blessing after the Angelus prayer, Sunday, June 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, file)

FILE - A seagull flies in front of Pope Francis as he speaks to the faithful gathered under pouring rain in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican for the traditional Sunday's noon blessing after the Angelus prayer, Sunday, June 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, file)

FILE - Pope Francis tries to catch his cap as wind blows it away while arriving for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)

FILE - Pope Francis tries to catch his cap as wind blows it away while arriving for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)

FILE - Pope Francis, second from left, looks at traditional dancers performing at the Martyrs' Stadium In Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, file)

FILE - Pope Francis, second from left, looks at traditional dancers performing at the Martyrs' Stadium In Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, file)

FILE - Pope Francis leaves after an audience with "Pueri Cantores", the official student Catholic choral organization, in the Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, file)

FILE - Pope Francis leaves after an audience with "Pueri Cantores", the official student Catholic choral organization, in the Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, file)

FILE - Pope Francis speaks to journalists during the papal flight direct to Rio de Janeiro, Monday, July 22, 2013. (Luca Zennaro/Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - Pope Francis speaks to journalists during the papal flight direct to Rio de Janeiro, Monday, July 22, 2013. (Luca Zennaro/Pool Photo via AP, File)

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