Vatican City: Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church and a transformative figure in modern papal history, has died at the age of 88. The announcement was made on Monday, April 21, 2025, by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who now oversees Church affairs during the interregnum—the period between papacies. He had suffered various ailments throughout his 12-year papacy.
At 7:35 AM on Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell spoke with deep sorrow at the Casa Santa Marta: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. 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."
Pope Francis delivered the traditional Easter blessing just a day prior, on Sunday, April 20, 2025, greeting joyful crowds from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica after a brief meeting with United States Vice President JD Vance—his most high-profile appearance since being discharged from the hospital. Although the 88-year-old pontiff did not preside over the main Holy Week and Easter services, he made several brief appearances throughout the weekend, including a 30-minute visit to a Rome prison on Thursday, April 17, 2025, and an appearance at St Peter's Basilica on Saturday evening.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis broke several precedents when he was elected to the papacy in 2013. He was the first Jesuit pope, the first from Latin America, and the first non-European to hold the role in over 1,200 years. Known for his progressive views and a down-to-earth approach, Pope Francis steered the Church toward a focus on compassion, equality, and inclusion. He emphasized humility and service, frequently prioritizing the poor and marginalized in his public addresses and travels.
Throughout his papacy, he initiated important reforms aimed at increasing financial transparency within the Vatican and took decisive steps to address long-standing issues of clerical abuse. His environmental encyclical, Laudato Si, published in 2015, became a defining document in the global conversation on climate change and moral responsibility. In recent years, however, Pope Francis's declining health raised concerns. He was hospitalized multiple times, particularly for respiratory illnesses, and earlier this year, he was treated for a severe case of double pneumonia.
In a statement reflecting on his life, many noted that Pope Francis showed powerful leadership amid global conflicts, particularly in addressing issues surrounding migration and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He was known for his bold stance against the harsh treatment of migrants, advocating for compassion and understanding. His commitment to social justice and environmental issues was evident in his calls for action against climate change and his focus on the plight of the marginalized.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, his legacy as a champion for the poor and a voice for peace and dialogue among religions remains significant. He was a figure who constantly sought to bridge divides, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and mutual understanding. In January 2025, American President Joe Biden honored Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, acknowledging his efforts in promoting peace, social justice, and environmental sustainability.
Pope Francis's life was characterized by a steadfast commitment to the values of the Gospel and a deep concern for humanity. His death marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, reform, and a call to action that resonates well beyond the walls of the Vatican.
