Pope Francis dies at 88
Pope Francis dies
Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church and a global religious figure, has died at the age of 88.
The Vatican confirmed that the Pope passed away peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City.
Vatican News reports that Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, officially announced the Pope’s passing, describing him as a tireless servant of the Church and a defender of the poor and marginalized.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis made history when he was elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
He was the first pope from Latin America, the first Jesuit to assume the papacy, and the first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years.
Throughout his 12-year tenure, Pope Francis became known for his down-to-earth leadership style, progressive reforms, and firm stance on global issues such as poverty, climate change, and social inequality.
BBC reports that he sought to steer the Catholic Church toward a more inclusive and compassionate direction, often challenging conservative traditions and encouraging dialogue on divisive issues.
His health had raised concern in recent months. He was hospitalized in February 2025 with bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia.
Though there were initial signs of recovery, his condition worsened in early April, leading to his death.
The Vatican has announced that preparations for his funeral and the selection of his successor will begin soon, as the College of Cardinals prepares to gather for a new conclave.
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