In a somber announcement that has resonated across the globe, the Vatican confirmed Pope Francis death early Monday morning on April 21, 2025. The 88-year-old pontiff, who led the Catholic Church for over a decade, passed away at 7:35 AM local time after battling health issues in recent months.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, made the official announcement, stating: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow 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.”
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The Final Days of Pope Francis
Pope Francis health had been deteriorating in the weeks leading up to his passing. The pontiff, who had part of his right lung removed in his youth due to a severe case of pneumonia, was hospitalized in March for bilateral pneumonia. Despite his frailty, he maintained his duties until the very end.
Just one day before his death, Pope Francis met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican. The meeting, which came amid tensions between the Trump administration and the Vatican over immigration policies, would be his final official engagement.
“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill,” Vance wrote on social media after learning of the pope’s passing. “It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul.”
Easter Sunday marked Pope Francis’s last public appearance. Despite visible signs of fatigue, he delivered his traditional Easter message to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, emphasizing hope and renewal—themes that defined his papacy.
A Transformative Legacy
The Pope Francis legacy will be remembered as one of the most transformative in modern Church history. As the first Latin American pope, the first Jesuit pope, and the first to take the name Francis, he broke new ground from the moment of his election in 2013.
Key Achievements That Defined His Papacy
| Area | Contributions | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Church Reform | Reformed Vatican finances, promoted transparency | Created more accountable Church institutions |
| Social Justice | Advocated for migrants, refugees, and the poor | Renewed Church focus on marginalized communities |
| Environment | Published ‘Laudato Si’ encyclical on climate change | Positioned Church as leader in environmental protection |
| Interfaith Dialogue | Historic meetings with Muslim, Jewish, and Orthodox leaders | Improved relations with other faiths |
| Church Governance | Implemented synodal approach with greater lay participation | More inclusive decision-making process |
“His election in 2013 will be seen as a kind of tectonic shift in the life of the Church,” noted Michael Sean Winters, a writer for the National Catholic Reporter.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis emphasized humility and simplicity. He chose to live in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the traditional papal apartments and often spoke directly to ordinary people, connecting with them in ways his predecessors had not.
Global Reactions to Pope Francis Death
The announcement of Pope Francis death triggered an outpouring of tributes from world leaders, religious figures, and ordinary people across the globe.
King Charles III of Britain, who met with the pope earlier in April, released a statement expressing “heavy hearts” and remembering the pontiff’s “compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith.”
French President Emmanuel Macron described Pope Francis as “a man of humility,” while Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof called him a “role model for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.”
Israel President Isaac Herzog praised the pope as “a man of deep faith and boundless compassion” who “saw great importance in fostering strong ties with the Jewish world and in advancing interfaith dialogue.”
What Happens Next: The Conclave and Future of the Church
Following Pope Francis death, the Catholic Church enters a period of transition. The pope’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their respects before the Pope Francis funeral takes place.
In a departure from tradition, Francis had expressed his desire to be buried outside the Vatican at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, breaking the longstanding custom of popes being laid to rest in St. Peter’s Basilica.
After the funeral, the College of Cardinals will gather for a conclave to elect his successor. This process typically begins 15 to 20 days after a pope’s death, though the exact timing has not yet been announced.
The next pope will inherit a Church that Francis has significantly reshaped, with ongoing reforms and a renewed focus on social justice, environmental protection, and inclusivity.
Timeline: Pope Francis’s Journey
- December 17, 1936: Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- December 13, 1969: Ordained as a priest
- May 20, 1992: Appointed auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires
- February 28, 1998: Became Archbishop of Buenos Aires
- February 21, 2001: Elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II
- March 13, 2013: Elected pope, choosing the name Francis
- March 2025: Hospitalized for bilateral pneumonia
- April 20, 2025: Final public appearance on Easter Sunday
- April 21, 2025: Passed away at age 88
The Human Side of a Global Leader
Beyond his official role, Pope Francis was known for his warmth, humor, and accessibility. He often broke protocol to embrace the disabled, wash the feet of prisoners, and visit slums around the world.
When leaving the hospital after treatment in 2023, he quipped, “I’m still alive!” – a moment that captured his characteristic good humor even in difficult times.
His final post on social media, shared on Easter Sunday, reflected his enduring message of hope: “Christ is risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.”
The official Pope Francis obituary released by the Vatican described him as a pontiff whose “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.”
Reflections on a Humble Servant
As the world mourns Pope Francis death, his legacy of humility, reform, and compassion will continue to influence the Catholic Church and beyond. From his simple greeting of “Buona sera” (Good evening) on the night of his election to his final Easter message, he remained true to his vision of a Church that serves the poor and marginalized.
In the words of Cardinal Farrell’s announcement: “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.”
The passing of Pope Francis marks the end of a significant chapter in Catholic history, but the reforms and vision he championed will continue to shape the Church for generations to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pope Francis Death
When and how did Pope Francis die?
Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM local time (05:35 GMT) at the age of 88. He passed away at his residence in Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican after battling health issues, including recent pneumonia.
What were Pope Francis’s last public words?
Pope Francis’s last public message was shared on Easter Sunday, where he stated: “Christ is risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.”
Where will Pope Francis be buried?
Unlike his predecessors, Pope Francis expressed his wish to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, about 5 kilometers from the Vatican, breaking the tradition of popes being buried in St. Peter’s Basilica. He will be the first pontiff to be buried there since 1669.
Who will be the next pope?
The next pope will be elected by the College of Cardinals during a conclave that typically begins 15-20 days after a pope’s death. The cardinals will vote in secret until a two-thirds majority is reached for one candidate.
What were Pope Francis’s major achievements?
Pope Francis’s major achievements include reforming Vatican finances, publishing the environmental encyclical “Laudato Si’,” improving interfaith relations, advocating for migrants and refugees, implementing a more synodal approach to Church governance, and bringing a renewed focus on social justice.
How long was Pope Francis pope?
Pope Francis served as pope for approximately 12 years, from his election on March 13, 2013, until his death on April 21, 2025.
What health issues did Pope Francis have?
Pope Francis had several health challenges throughout his life, including having part of his right lung removed in his youth due to pneumonia. In recent years, he suffered from sciatica, underwent colon surgery, experienced acute bronchitis, and had knee problems that required him to use a wheelchair. His final illness was bilateral pneumonia.
