VATICAN CITY – April 21, 2025: Pope Francis, the first Latin American head of the Roman Catholic Church and a globally recognized advocate for peace and interfaith dialogue, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican announced.
His death came unexpectedly, just a day after he made a public appearance in an open-air popemobile at St. Peter’s Square, greeting crowds on Easter Sunday. He had recently recovered from a serious case of double pneumonia and had been discharged from a 38-day hospital stay in late March.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a televised statement. “At 7:35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
A Papacy of Reform and Outreach
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis was elected in 2013 and led the Church for over 12 years. Known for his humility and reformist approach, he chose to live in a modest Vatican residence instead of the traditional papal apartments. His leadership was marked by efforts to modernize the Church, address social inequalities, and restore credibility amid the clerical abuse crisis.
He was admired globally for championing the rights of the marginalized, speaking out on climate change, and calling for peace in conflict zones. Despite facing opposition from both conservative and progressive factions within the Church, Francis remained a prominent moral voice on the global stage.
Tributes Pour In
World leaders and religious communities around the globe paid tribute to the late pontiff. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed him as “a great man and a great shepherd.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised his compassion and humility.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the pope’s death, calling him “a powerful voice for peace and justice,” while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remembered him as “a symbol of interfaith harmony and humanity.” Both acknowledged his recent Easter appeal for a ceasefire in Gaza as a reflection of his enduring commitment to peace.
Spain announced three days of national mourning, with Justice Minister Félix Bolaños describing Francis as “a good man and a great pope,” lauding his advocacy for the underprivileged and his fight against inequality and climate change.
French President Emmanuel Macron and leaders from Germany, Ireland, East Timor, and the U.S. also shared their condolences. The White House posted a tribute with images of Francis meeting President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Final Rites and Global Mourning
Pope Francis’ body will lie in repose at the chapel of the Saint Martha residence, where he lived during his papacy. A formal death certification and laying of the body in the coffin was scheduled for 8 p.m. local time on Monday.
The Vatican has postponed several scheduled events, including the April 27 canonization of Carlo Acutis, the first millennial to be declared a Catholic saint.
In Paris, the bells of Notre-Dame Cathedral rang 88 times—one for each year of his life—followed by a solemn mass in his memory.
A Legacy of Compassion
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis sought to humanize the Church and emphasize its role in addressing global suffering. Despite facing resistance, he reshaped the tone of Catholic leadership and inspired millions with his call for humility, inclusivity, and compassion.
He appointed nearly 80% of the cardinals eligible to vote for the next pope, increasing the likelihood that his successor may carry forward his progressive vision.
Pope Francis now joins his predecessor, Benedict XVI—who resigned in 2013 and passed away in 2022—as a pivotal figure in modern Church history. His death leaves a profound void in the hearts of 1.4 billion Catholics and countless others touched by his message of peace, justice, and hope.
