Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that he passed away peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at exactly 7:35 a.m. (CEST) at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history in 2013 when he became the first Latin American, first Jesuit, and first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. His election signaled a new era for the Catholic Church—one defined by humility, reform, and a deep commitment to social justice.
Despite battling a severe respiratory illness that led to double pneumonia in February, the Pope appeared briefly on Easter Sunday to deliver what would be his final public blessing from the Apostolic Palace. His visibly frail appearance and gentle wave drew tears and prayers from the tens of thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square, unaware they were witnessing his last goodbye.
During his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis became a global figure of compassion and conscience. He was a champion of the poor and marginalized, a defender of the environment, and an advocate for peace and dialogue across religious and political divides. His landmark encyclicals Laudato si’ and Fratelli tutti called on humanity to care for the planet and embrace one another as brothers and sisters.
He also pushed for reforms within the Church, tackling sensitive issues such as clerical abuse, financial corruption, and inclusion for groups traditionally sidelined by Church teachings. Pope Francis believed the Church must be “a field hospital after battle,” always open to heal wounds and build bridges.
World leaders, religious institutions, and millions of faithful Catholics around the globe are mourning his death. Argentina has declared three days of national mourning, and the Vatican is preparing for an elaborate funeral ceremony that will be attended by heads of state, bishops, and pilgrims from all walks of life.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, described the late pope as “a servant of God who walked among his people with love, simplicity, and courage.”
The College of Cardinals is expected to begin the process of electing a new pope in the coming days. Until then, the Vatican enters a solemn period known as Sede Vacante—the vacant seat—marking the end of a remarkable era and the beginning of another chapter in the life of the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis will be remembered not only for the titles he held but for the lives he touched. From the slums of Buenos Aires to the grand halls of the Vatican, he remained a shepherd of the people—humble, fearless, and forever faithful.