Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the first pontiff from the Americas, passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
The Vatican announced his death, citing a battle with double pneumonia that had severely impacted his health in recent months.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, confirmed the news in a video statement, saying, “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.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected in 2013 following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
As the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Southern Hemisphere, he brought a fresh perspective to the papacy, emphasizing humility, compassion for the poor, and a push for a more inclusive Catholic Church.
His reign, spanning just over 12 years, was marked by efforts to reform the Church’s bureaucracy, address climate justice, and extend outreach to marginalized communities, including his groundbreaking 2023 decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples under certain conditions.
Francis’ papacy was not without controversy. His progressive stances, including his criticism of global capitalism and his calls for more lenient immigration policies, often clashed with conservative factions within the Church and beyond.
In early 2025, he publicly rebuked the Trump administration’s mass deportation plans, engaging in a rare public dispute with U.S. Vice President JD Vance over immigration and theological interpretations.
Despite these tensions, Francis remained a beloved figure for millions, admired for his “everyman” humility—seen in gestures like forgoing traditional papal vestments and living in the modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace.
The pope’s health had been a concern for years, but it deteriorated significantly in early 2025. After a five-week hospitalization for double pneumonia starting in February, during which he reportedly came close to death, Francis made a determined effort to resume his duties.
His final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, when he appeared frail but resolute, blessing crowds from a balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica and touring St. Peter’s Square in his popemobile to cheers of “Viva il Papa!”
He also met briefly with Vice President Vance that day to exchange Easter greetings, a moment that underscored his commitment to dialogue despite political differences.
Tributes poured in from around the world following the announcement of his death.
On X, posts reflected a mix of grief and admiration, with one user writing, “Pope Francis was a voice for the voiceless, a shepherd who walked with the poor. Rest in peace.”
Another noted, “His courage to challenge the powerful, from Trump to the Curia, will be his legacy.”
Leaders of other faiths and secular figures also expressed condolences, highlighting Francis’ global influence as a moral voice.
The Vatican now enters a period of mourning and transition. Following centuries-old protocols, the process to confirm the pope’s death has begun, overseen by the Vatican health department and the camerlengo.
Cardinals will soon gather in a conclave to elect a successor, facing a pivotal choice: continue Francis’ progressive, inclusive vision or shift toward a more traditional, doctrinaire leadership.
The decision will shape the future of the Church, which serves 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Pope Francis’ death marks the end of a transformative era. His legacy as a “maverick” pontiff who defied expectations and sought to bridge divides will resonate for generations, even as the Church navigates the challenges of a new chapter.