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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.”

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The Conclave Begins: The Next Pope

With Pope Francis’ passing, the Church enters sede vacante (the seat being vacant), a transitional period before the election of a new pope.

The College of Cardinals—the highest-ranking bishops in the Catholic Church—will soon gather in Vatican City for a conclave to select his successor.

As outlined in the 2024 Academy Award-winning film The Conclave, the cardinals will meet in the Sistine Chapel to vote by secret ballot.

Each round of voting is signaled by smoke from the chapel’s chimney: black smoke indicates no decision, while white smoke—fumata bianca—signifies that a new pope has been chosen.

Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, with the number of cardinal electors capped at 120.

These electors must swear an oath of secrecy and remain sequestered until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority vote. Typically, four ballots are cast each day. Pope Francis himself was elected in just two days in 2013.

A Global Farewell: World Leaders Respond

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, has assumed temporary administrative duties. This includes overseeing the certification of Pope Francis’ death and the ceremonial placement of his body into a coffin. This formal process is rooted in centuries of Church tradition and symbolism.

Tributes have poured in from across the globe, including former President Donald Trump, who announced he would be attending the funeral in Rome with former First Lady Melania Trump.

“Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!”
— Donald Trump on Truth Social

His statement was later confirmed by several media outlets, including MSN News.

Live updates and ongoing coverage of Pope Francis' funeral arrangements and conclave preparations are available on BBC News.

With the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church stands at a historic crossroads. His legacy is defined by bold outreach, doctrinal tension, and a renewed emphasis on humility and care for the marginalized.