Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in his residence at the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City…
Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and its first leader from the Americas, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. He died at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City, following a prolonged battle with double pneumonia.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the Pope’s death in a video statement, saying, “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”.
Early Life and Path to the Papacy
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the son of Italian immigrants. He initially trained as a chemical technician before entering the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958. Ordained as a priest in 1969, he rose through the ecclesiastical ranks to become Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was appointed cardinal in 2001.
On March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Bergoglio was elected as the 266th pope. He chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting his commitment to humility and service to the poor.
A Papacy Marked by Reform and Outreach
Pope Francis’s tenure was characterized by efforts to reform the Church and reach out to marginalized communities. He was known for his progressive stances on various issues, including advocating for the poor, supporting migrants, and promoting environmental stewardship. His 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si'” called for urgent action on climate change and criticized consumerism and unbridled capitalism.
He also made significant strides in addressing the Church’s sexual abuse crisis, implementing reforms to hold clergy accountable and promote transparency.
Health Challenges and Final Days
In recent years, Pope Francis faced several health challenges, including a severe respiratory infection in his youth that led to the removal of part of his lung. In February 2025, he was hospitalized for bronchitis, which developed into double pneumonia. After a 38-day hospital stay, he returned to the Vatican to continue his recovery.
Despite his health issues, Pope Francis made a public appearance on Easter Sunday, delivering his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Global Tributes and Legacy
Leaders worldwide have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Pope Francis’s legacy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised him for inspiring millions with his humility and love for the less fortunate. Jose Ramos-Horta, President of East Timor, lauded him for leaving behind a profound legacy of humanity, justice, and human fraternity .
Pope Francis’s death has prompted the postponement of various events, including Italy’s Serie A soccer matches scheduled for April 21, as a mark of respect .
Funeral Arrangements and Succession
The Vatican has not yet released details regarding Pope Francis’s funeral arrangements. Following tradition, the College of Cardinals will convene a conclave to elect his successor. The process involves elaborate rituals, including sealing the Pope’s private apartment and breaking his “Fisherman’s Ring” to prevent its misuse.
Remembering Pope Francis
Pope Francis will be remembered as a transformative figure who sought to bring the Catholic Church closer to the people. His emphasis on compassion, social justice, and environmental responsibility resonated with many, both within and outside the Church. His papacy marked a shift towards a more inclusive and humble approach to leadership, leaving a lasting impact on the global Catholic community.
Vatican Conclave 2025: How the New Pope Will Be Elected After Francis
The death of a sitting pope initiates a centuries-old and deeply structured process within the Roman Catholic Church to elect a new spiritual leader. Following the recent passing of Pope Francis, attention has turned to the Vatican and the protocols that determine how his successor will be chosen.
Once a pope dies, the Camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell, assumes administrative control of the Vatican. His first official act is to verify the pope’s death, traditionally by calling the pope by name three times without response. After this confirmation, he oversees the sealing of the papal apartments and prepares for the upcoming Conclave—the secretive process in which a new pope is elected.
The College of Cardinals, composed of all cardinals under the age of 80, is responsible for electing the new pope. Currently, 136 cardinals are eligible to vote. These men represent the Church’s leadership across the globe, and they convene in the Sistine Chapel to undertake the highly ritualized process of selection.
Before the voting begins, the cardinals attend General Congregations—meetings in which they discuss the current state of the Church and the qualities needed in a new pope. These discussions, held in strict confidentiality, are an opportunity to exchange views and build consensus. During this time, no formal campaigning is allowed, though alliances and informal assessments naturally occur.
The voting phase of the Conclave is bound by tradition and secrecy. Each day, cardinals cast ballots in up to four voting rounds. A successful candidate must secure a two-thirds majority to be elected. After each round, ballots are burned—if no pope is chosen, the smoke is black; when one is elected, white smoke signals the announcement.
Once a cardinal reaches the required majority, he is asked the canonical question: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” Upon acceptance, he chooses a papal name, and his acceptance is announced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the traditional Latin phrase “Habemus Papam”—“We have a pope.”
The newly elected pope then emerges to deliver his first Urbi et Orbi blessing as the Bishop of Rome and leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
While the outcome is ultimately guided by tradition and faith, the next conclave will reflect the current challenges facing the Church—including global political tensions, internal reforms, and the evolving role of the Church in modern society.
