Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and its first Latin American leader, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died at 7:35 a.m. CEST at his residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae within Vatican City. The official announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, approximately two hours later via Vatican Media.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Pope Francis was elected to the papacy in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His tenure was marked by a commitment to humility, inclusivity, and social justice. He was known for his outreach to marginalized communities, including refugees and the LGBTQ+ population, and for his advocacy on issues such as climate change and economic inequality.
Despite his progressive stance, Pope Francis faced criticism from conservative factions within the Church, particularly concerning his views on capitalism and his approach to traditional liturgical practices. He also grappled with the Church’s handling of clergy sexual abuse scandals, notably in Chile.
In the days leading up to his death, Pope Francis had been hospitalized due to respiratory issues, including double pneumonia. Although he appeared in public on Easter Sunday, greeting crowds in St. Peter’s Square, his health remained a concern.
Following his passing, global leaders and communities have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to his legacy. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola are among those who have honored his contributions to peace, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.
The Vatican has initiated traditional funeral rites, with Pope Francis’s body to lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. In accordance with his wishes, he will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The College of Cardinals will convene a conclave within 15 to 20 days to elect his successor, a process influenced by the many cardinals appointed during his papacy.
Pope Francis’s death marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church, characterized by efforts to modernize its approach while maintaining its core doctrines. His emphasis on compassion, humility, and inclusivity has left an indelible impact on the global Catholic community and beyond.
- Religion World Bureau
