Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff, passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, following a stroke that led to heart failure. His final public appearance occurred just a day prior, on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.Time+4AP News+4Vogue+4
Despite his declining health, Pope Francis made a surprise appearance at St. Peter’s Square to bless the faithful. Although he had delegated the traditional Easter Mass to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, he chose to personally greet the crowd, offering a final gesture of pastoral care. This appearance followed a meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, marking his last diplomatic engagement .CBS News+2Wikipedia+2Time+2
Throughout his 12-year papacy, Francis was known for his humility, advocacy for the marginalized, and efforts to reform the Catholic Church. His leadership emphasized mercy, inclusivity, and social justice, often addressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and the refugee crisis. He also worked to address clerical abuse and sought to modernize the Church’s approach to various social issues .AP NewsVogue
In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, deviating from the traditional burial site of St. Peter’s Basilica. This decision reflects his deep personal devotion to the church and its revered icon, Salus Populi Romani .Wikipedia+1Architectural Digest+1Architectural Digest+1Wikipedia+1
His passing has prompted a nine-day period of mourning and the initiation of the papal conclave process to elect his successor. Global leaders have paid tribute to his legacy, highlighting his compassion, commitment to social justice, and efforts to bring the Church closer to the people .Architectural Digest+1Wikipedia+1AP News+2Time+2Vogue+2
Pope Francis’s final appearance and subsequent passing underscore his dedication to his faith and the people he served, leaving a lasting impact on the Catholic Church and the world.
