Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and a transformative figure in global religious and social discourse, died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death occurred at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City. The Vatican confirmed that the cause of death was a stroke, which led to a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.
A Papacy of Firsts. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history upon his election in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years. His papacy was marked by a commitment to humility, inclusivity, and social justice. He chose to reside in the modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace and was known for his outreach to marginalized communities.
Pope Francis faced several health challenges throughout his life, including a lung infection in his youth and, more recently, double pneumonia and kidney issues. In February 2025, he was hospitalized for a respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia, leading to a five-week stay at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome. Despite these challenges, he continued his duties, delivering his final Easter blessing from a wheelchair on April 20, 2025.
The news of Pope Francis’s death prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from around the world. King Charles of the United Kingdom expressed deep sorrow, reflecting on their final meeting on April 9, 2025, and highlighting the Pope’s legacy of compassion and advocacy for environmental stewardship. U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei confirmed their attendance at the upcoming funeral, underscoring the Pope’s global influence.
Funeral Arrangements In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis’s funeral will be a simplified affair. 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 Pope Leo XIII in 1903. The funeral is scheduled to take place between April 25 and 27, 2025. Following the funeral, a papal conclave will be convened to elect his successor, expected to occur between May 6 and 11, 2025.
Legacy of Reform and Compassion. Pope Francis’s tenure was characterized by efforts to modernize the Catholic Church and address contemporary issues. He advocated for same-sex civil unions, condemned the cover-up of clerical abuse, and emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship. His approach often challenged traditional Vatican norms, aiming to make the Church more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the marginalized.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, his legacy as a humble servant and reformer of the Catholic Church endures. His commitment to compassion, inclusivity, and social justice has left an indelible mark on the global community.
