Pope Francis, the beloved pontiff, dies at 88, leaving behind a powerful legacy of humility, peace, and global unity.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope in history, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death occurred at 7:35 a.m. CEST in his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae, within Vatican City. The Vatican confirmed that the cause of death was a cerebral stroke followed by irreversible heart failure, complications stemming from a respiratory infection and double pneumonia he had battled earlier in the year.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Pope Francis was elected as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, reflecting his commitment to poverty, humility, and peace. His papacy was marked by efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy, promote interfaith dialogue, and advocate for the marginalized and the environment.
In his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, Pope Francis delivered the Urbi et Orbi blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. Despite his recent health challenges, he expressed gratitude for being able to greet the faithful and reiterated his call for peace and reconciliation in the world.
Following his death, tributes poured in from around the world. In Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, Islamic organizations and the public alike mourned his passing. Prominent groups such as Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah praised his commitment to interfaith harmony and his vocal opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. His final Easter message, delivered a day before his death, called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, resonating deeply in Indonesia.
In the United States, President Joe Biden described Pope Francis as "a moral visionary whose life work transcended religious boundaries and inspired global humanitarian efforts." Former President Donald Trump also offered condolences, acknowledging the pope's impact on the world stage. Religious leaders, including Archbishop Timothy Broglio and Cardinals Timothy Dolan and Blase Cupich, remembered Francis's commitment to inclusivity, faith, and care for creation, urging believers to honor his legacy by embodying his values.
Pope Francis's funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, in St. Peter's Square. The ceremony will be attended by global dignitaries, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei. In accordance with his wishes, he will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, making him the first pope in over a century to be interred outside the Vatican.
The Vatican has announced that the papal conclave to elect a new pope will convene between May 5 and 10, 2025. During this period, the Church will enter a state of sede vacante, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell serving as the interim head of the Church.
Pope Francis's death marks the end of a transformative papacy that redefined the role of the pope in the modern world. His emphasis on humility, social justice, and environmental stewardship has left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the global community. As the Church prepares for the election of a new pope, the legacy of Pope Francis will continue to inspire and challenge the faithful to live out the values of compassion and service.
Watch the First Mass in Tribute to Pope Francis in Buenos Aires Cathedral:
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