Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who stated, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, The Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house.” Dallas News
Pope Francis had been battling health issues, including double pneumonia and bronchitis, leading to a month-long hospitalization earlier in the year. Despite his frailty, he made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, delivering a blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica. People.com
Elected as the 266th pope in 2013, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over a millennium. His papacy was marked by humility, social justice advocacy, and efforts to modernize the Church. He was known for his progressive stances on issues like climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic inequality. Business Insider
Global leaders have paid tribute to Pope Francis. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who met with the Pope the day before his death, expressed sorrow and praised his legacy. Other leaders, including Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, honored Pope Francis for his compassion and commitment to social justice. Time
In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis’s funeral will be simplified. He will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, making him the first pope to be interred outside the Vatican since 1903. The papal conclave to elect his successor is expected to begin between May 6 and May 11, 2025. Wikipedia
Pope Francis’s death marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church. His commitment to inclusivity and social justice has left a lasting impact on the Church’s 1.3 billion followers worldwide.
