Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Catholic Church and its first Latin American leader, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death occurred at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. AP News
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was elected pope in 2013. He was renowned for his humility, advocacy for the poor, and efforts to modernize the Church. His papacy emphasized environmental stewardship, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. The Guardian
In the weeks leading up to his death, Pope Francis had been hospitalized for double pneumonia and was released on March 23. Despite his health challenges, he made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, offering blessings from St. Peter’s Basilica. AP News
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s camerlengo, announced the pope’s passing, stating, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.” Axios
Tributes have poured in from around the world. King Charles III reflected on his final meeting with the pope, praising his compassion and commitment to unity. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who met with Francis on Easter Sunday, noted the pope’s frailty during their encounter.
Pope Francis’s funeral is expected to take place within four to six days, followed by a nine-day period of mourning known as “novendiali.” In accordance with his wishes, he will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, making him the first pope to be interred outside the Vatican since Pope Leo XIII in 1903.
The conclave to elect his successor is anticipated to begin between May 6 and May 11, 2025.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of compassion, humility, and a commitment to addressing modern challenges within the Church.
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