Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death marks the end of a transformative papacy that spanned over a decade, touching the lives of millions across the globe.
Time and Place of Death
According to the Vatican, Pope Francis died at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, located within Vatican City. The official announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who solemnly stated:
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
This statement was shared with the global Catholic community and confirmed the passing of a spiritual leader who had dedicated his entire life to serving others.
Health Struggles in His Final Days
In the weeks leading up to his death, Pope Francis had been battling a serious illness. He was recently hospitalized for pneumonia in both lungs, a condition that was initially thought to be improving. After being discharged, he continued recovering at his Vatican residence and even made a brief public appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, bringing joy to the faithful who gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
However, despite his resilience and the best efforts of his medical team, Pope Francis’s health declined rapidly. His passing came just one day after Easter, adding a poignant note to the holiest period in the Christian calendar.
Legacy of Pope Francis
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013. He made history as the first Jesuit pope, the first from Latin America, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years.
Throughout his papacy, he was known for his humility, compassion, and strong advocacy for the poor, the environment, and migrants. Pope Francis also pushed for reforms within the Church, addressing complex issues like sexual abuse scandals and promoting inclusivity and dialogue.
Global Mourning and Next Steps
News of his passing triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from religious and world leaders. Many remembered him as a “voice for the voiceless” and a champion of justice and mercy.
As tradition dictates, the College of Cardinals will now gather in Rome to prepare for a conclave, where they will elect a new pope. The coming days will be filled with mourning, remembrance, and reflection on the direction the Church will take next.
Pope Francis’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in the Catholic Church’s history. His legacy will live on through his teachings, reforms, and the countless lives he touched during his time as pope.
