Pope Francis, whose birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died on Monday, April 21, 2025—just one day after Easter Sunday—at the age of 88. He passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, officially confirmed the news, stating, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
Concerns about the Pope’s health had grown in recent years. Back in February 2025, he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome with serious bronchitis and pneumonia in both lungs. His condition led to a 38-day hospital stay during which he also suffered from the early stages of kidney failure and needed mechanical ventilation. Nevertheless, he appeared in public on Easter Sunday, offering his final blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica.
Elected the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, Francis made history as the first Jesuit pope and the first pope from the Americas. His leadership was defined by his dedication to humility, social equity, and environmental issues. He often spoke on topics like the refugee crisis, climate change, and wealth inequality. He was also known for his progressive views, particularly his support for LGBTQ+ individuals and his opposition to the death penalty.
Pope Francis took steps to confront the Church’s history of sexual abuse, pushing for reform and more transparency. His simple lifestyle and desire to make the Catholic Church more open and compassionate gained him respect around the globe. One of his most influential works, the 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, highlighted his strong stance on caring for the Earth.
Following news of his death, leaders and public figures worldwide shared their condolences. King Charles III remembered a recent meeting with the Pope and acknowledged his commitment to unity and compassion. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who met the Pope shortly before his passing, paid tribute to his impact and character.
As per his wishes, Pope Francis will be laid to rest in a modest ceremony. He will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome—marking the first time in over a hundred years that a pope will be buried outside the Vatican. The Vatican announced that some events, like the canonization of Carlo Acutis, will be postponed, though the Jubilee celebrations will still take place as planned.
The College of Cardinals will gather for a conclave between May 6 and May 11, 2025, to select the next pope. There are currently 135 cardinal electors under the age of 80 eligible to participate in the vote, which will be held in the Sistine Chapel.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy as a compassionate reformer and a voice for those often overlooked. His influence is expected to guide the Church and its followers for years to come.
