Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, as announced by Cardinal Joseph Farrell on April 21, 2025. The announcement came via Vatican News, revealing that the Pope died at 7:35 AM, marking a profound moment for the Catholic Church and its followers worldwide.
Cardinal Farrell expressed deep sorrow in his statement, saying, "Dear brothers and sisters, with profound sadness, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father." He further reflected on the Pope's life, highlighting his dedication to serving the Lord and the Church, 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, particularly for the poorest and marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of #PopeFrancis to the infinite merciful love of God, One and Triune."
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires to Italian immigrants, made history as the first Jesuit Pope. His journey in the Church began in 1957 when he entered the Society of Jesus. After completing his studies in humanities in Chile and earning a degree in Philosophy in Buenos Aires, he took on various roles in education and leadership within the Argentine Church.
He was ordained a priest on December 13, 1969, and pronounced his perpetual vows in 1973. His ecclesiastical career progressed as he became the provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina from 1973 to 1979, and later served as the dean of the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy of San Miguel from 1980 to 1986. In 1997, he was appointed as Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires, and by 1998, he was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He was elevated to Cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001 and presided over the Argentine Episcopal Conference from 2005 to 2011.
In March 2013, Pope Francis was elected as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, succeeding Benedict XVI. His papacy was marked by a commitment to the values of the Gospel, interreligious dialogue, and a focus on social justice. He traveled extensively, promoting peace and understanding among different faiths and cultures.
His encyclicals, including Lumen fidei (2013), Laudato si’ (2015), Fratelli tutti (2020), and Dilexit nos (2024), addressed pressing global issues such as environmental stewardship, human dignity, and the importance of fraternity. In 2023, he released the apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the environmental crisis.
Just a day before his passing, on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, Pope Francis met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and delivered the traditional Easter message "Urbi et Orbi" to approximately 35,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. In his message, he called for disarmament, religious freedom, and respect for human rights, emphasizing that "No peace is possible without true disarmament! The need for every people to provide for its own defense cannot transform into a general arms race."
During the Easter celebration, he also took the time to bless children and greet the crowd, showcasing his deep connection with the faithful. This final public appearance was a poignant reminder of his dedication to his role as a spiritual leader.
As the news of his death spreads, tributes are pouring in from around the globe. The President of Emilia-Romagna expressed his condolences, stating, "He was able to speak to the entire world." In light of the Pope's passing, several sporting events, including matches in Modena, Sassuolo, and Carpi, have been postponed as a mark of respect.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy defined by compassion, humility, and a relentless pursuit of justice. His commitment to addressing the needs of the marginalized and promoting peace will be remembered by millions. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the Catholic Church.
In his lifetime, Pope Francis emerged as a deeply engaged figure, advocating for human and spiritual values while responding to contemporary challenges with humility and passion for the common good. His writings, including autobiographical works such as Life. La mia storia nella Storia (2024) and Spera (2025), reflect his commitment to sharing his journey and insights with the world.
The world now mourns the loss of a leader who not only changed the papacy but also touched the hearts of many. As the Catholic Church prepares for the next steps in its leadership, the impact of Pope Francis's teachings and his call for a more compassionate world will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come.
