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.
