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Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta building. 

A Humble Leader’s Passing on Easter Monday

The news was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who solemnly declared,
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

Francis’ final public appearance came just one day before his death, on Easter Sunday, when he met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his delegation. That appearance marked the end of a 12-year papacy that reshaped the Catholic Church in profound ways.

From Argentina to the Vatican: A Historic Rise

Born in Argentina in 1936, Pope Francis was elevated to cardinal before being elected as the 266th pope in March 2013. This followed the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI—the first pope to retire voluntarily in over 600 years.

Francis became the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to take the name “Francis,” honoring St. Francis of Assisi.

A Papacy Marked by Change 

Pope Francis’ tenure was marked by an openness to social and technological change. He was the first pope to write an op-ed for The New York Times and frequently used digital platforms to engage the faithful and global community.

Perhaps most notably, in a 2023 document, he approved the blessing of same-sex couples by Catholic priests—an unprecedented shift in tone within the Church.

While traditionalists viewed this as controversial, Francis sought to bridge doctrine and compassion. As he said in a 2023 Associated Press interview:
“While homosexuality is not a crime, any sexual act outside of marriage is considered a sin. It’s also a sin to lack charity with one another.”

Health Struggles and Final Days

Pope Francis had faced declining health in his final years. He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14, 2025, for bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia in both lungs.

After a five-week stay, he was released in late March and appeared publicly for the last time during the Easter Sunday Mass in Vatican City.

His death was met with grief and reverence worldwide. Cardinal Farrell reflected:
“He taught us to live the values ​​of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised... With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”