Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff has passed away at the age of 88 today Monday, April 21, 2025. The Vatican confirmed his death in a solemn video statement delivered by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who said, “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” His death marks the conclusion of a historic and often groundbreaking papacy that lasted over a decade.
Francis had been battling numerous health complications in recent years. Most recently, he endured a serious bout of double pneumonia that required hospitalization for more than a month. Doctors had noted the infection was polymicrobial—caused by multiple pathogens—and especially dangerous given that the Pope had only one fully functioning lung due to surgery he underwent in his youth. Despite these concerns, he made a surprise public appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, cheerfully riding through St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile and offering a blessing to thousands of worshippers. His vitality that day stood in stark contrast to the news that followed just hours later.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was elected pope on March 13, 2013. His appointment was a moment of many firsts—he was the first Jesuit pope, the first from Latin America, and the first to choose the name “Francis,” after Saint Francis of Assisi, signaling his vision of a simpler, more compassionate Church. His papacy quickly became known for its humility and progressive tone. He rejected many of the traditional luxuries of the papal office, choosing to live in the modest Casa Santa Marta guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace. He explained this choice by saying it was better for his “psychological health” and allowed for more connection with others.
Francis also made headlines for his efforts to open the Church to groups that had long felt marginalized. He voiced support for civil unions for same-sex couples, increased the visibility of women in Vatican leadership, and frequently spoke out on global issues such as climate change, immigration, and economic inequality. His landmark encyclical Laudato Si’ called for urgent environmental action and was widely praised even beyond religious circles. These reformist moves, while applauded by many, were also met with resistance from conservative factions within the Church.
The Pope’s death has triggered mourning around the world. Argentina and Brazil declared national periods of mourning, and tributes have poured in from global leaders and religious figures of various faiths. The Vatican has announced that Francis’s body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica, giving the faithful an opportunity to pay their last respects. His funeral is expected to take place by the end of the week, with early reports indicating he will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome—honoring his personal wishes and marking the first papal burial outside the Vatican in over a century.
Attention now turns to the future of the Catholic Church. A conclave of 135 cardinal-electors—many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis himself—is expected to gather in the coming weeks to choose his successor. The makeup of the College of Cardinals suggests that the next pope may likely continue along the reformist path Francis charted.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy defined by compassion, courage, and a bold willingness to engage with the modern world. His voice—gentle yet firm—resonated beyond the walls of the Vatican, calling for a Church that listens, serves, and walks with the people. His absence will be deeply felt, but his impact will endure for generations to come.
