Pope Francis, the 266th head of the Roman Catholic Church and the first pontiff from Latin America, has died at the age of 88.
The Vatican announced his passing on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. in Rome.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became the first Jesuit pope and was elected on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His papacy was widely known for humility, social justice, and progressive reforms within the Church.
Throughout his 12-year tenure, Pope Francis pushed for greater compassion, inclusiveness, and attention to global issues such as poverty, migration, and climate change. His decision to live in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace symbolized his desire for a more modest papacy.
Throughout his 12-year tenure, Pope Francis pushed for greater compassion, inclusiveness, and attention to global issues such as poverty, migration, and climate change. His decision to live in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace symbolized his desire for a more modest papacy.
The Pope had faced serious health issues in recent years. In February 2025, he was hospitalized for bronchitis which developed into pneumonia. After 38 days, he was discharged and returned to the Vatican, where he continued to work and even delivered the Easter Sunday blessing the day before his death.
In anticipation of the moment, Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the papal funeral rites in November 2024, changing the traditional procedures, including the immediate placement of the Pope’s body in the coffin after the confirmation of death in the chapel.
Tributes have poured in from leaders around the world, honoring his commitment to bridging divides and uplifting the marginalized. The College of Cardinals is expected to meet in the coming days to begin the process of electing his successor. With nearly 80% of the current electors appointed by Francis himself, his influence is expected to shape the Church’s next chapter.
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