Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and its first Latin American pontiff, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death occurred at 7:35 a.m. CEST at his residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City, following a prolonged battle with double pneumonia and other health complications.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was elected pope in March 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He was the first Jesuit to assume the papacy and the first non-European pope in over a millennium.
Throughout his 12-year papacy, Francis was known for his humility, progressive stances, and commitment to social justice. He chose to reside in the modest Casa Santa Marta guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace, signaling a shift towards a more accessible and less hierarchical Church. His leadership emphasized compassion for the marginalized, environmental stewardship, and inclusivity within the Church.
Francis’s tenure was marked by efforts to address pressing global issues, including climate change, economic inequality, and the plight of refugees. He also took steps to reform the Vatican’s financial systems and sought to address the Church’s handling of clerical sexual abuse cases.
Despite facing criticism from conservative factions within the Church, Francis remained steadfast in his mission to create a more inclusive and compassionate institution. His outreach to the LGBTQ+ community and his advocacy for the abolition of the death penalty were among the initiatives that highlighted his commitment to human dignity and social justice.
The Vatican has announced that funeral proceedings will commence in the coming days, adhering to the simplified rites approved by Francis. He will be interred at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, honoring his request to be buried outside the Vatican, a first since Pope Leo XIII in 1903.
As the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning, preparations are underway for the upcoming conclave, expected to begin between May 6 and 11, to elect the next pope.
Pope Francis’s legacy as a reformer and advocate for the marginalized leaves an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the broader global community.
