Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and the first from Latin America, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, following a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse .
A Papacy Marked by Humility and Reform
Elected in 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years. His tenure was characterized by a commitment to humility, social justice, and inclusivity. He chose to reside in the modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace and was known for his outreach to marginalized communities, including migrants and the poor .
Health Challenges and Final Days
Pope Francis had faced various health issues throughout his life, including a lung infection in his youth and, more recently, pneumonia and kidney problems. In early 2025, he was hospitalized for double pneumonia and spent 38 days in treatment. Despite his health challenges, he continued his duties, delivering his final Easter blessing from a wheelchair on Easter Sunday .
His death came just a day after meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and delivering his annual Easter address. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced his passing, stating, “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized” .
Global Mourning and Tributes
The news of Pope Francis’s death prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes worldwide. King Charles III, who met with the Pope just 12 days prior, expressed deep sorrow, highlighting the Pope’s legacy of compassion and commitment to unity . A solemn Mass of Suffrage was held at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, where Cardinal Baldo Reina emphasized the Pope’s legacy of mercy and service .
Legacy of a Transformative Leader
Pope Francis’s papacy was marked by efforts to modernize the Church and address contemporary issues. He advocated for environmental stewardship, condemned the treatment of Indigenous children in Canadian church-run schools as genocide, and supported civil unions for same-sex couples . His emphasis on mercy and inclusivity resonated with many, earning him the moniker “The Pope of Mercy” .
