The first pope from Latin America, Pope Francis was the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. He died at the age of 88 on April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM CEST in his residence at Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s camerlengo, verified this fact and mentioned that the Bishop of Rome had “returned to the home of the Father.”
It was noted previously that “was a stroke with irreversible heart failure” served as the cause of death. “Francis had been facing challenges with his health in recent years, including being hospitalized for pneumonia and respiratory issues,” as reported in “Latest news & breaking headlines.” Despite such problems, he continued to perform papal duties, providing the Easter Sunday blessing “Urbi et Orbi” on April 20.
In accordance with his wishes, he will be buried at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, making him the first pope to be interred outside the Vatican since Pope Leo XIII in 1903. His self-simplified funeral rites will be performed between the early ministers of his death to maintain tradition of the fourth to sixth day after his passing and will take place in St. Peter’s Square.
Starting April 23, the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects at St. Peter’s Basilica.
The College of Cardinals is expected to hold a conclave within a couple to a few weeks to elect a new pope. Only cardinals younger than 80 can cast votes. Pope Francis has created many cardinals from the global south, his choices likely influencing who may succeed him in office. As is tradition, black smoke means no decision and white means a new pope has been elected.
The papacy of Pope Francis was characterized by an emphasis on humility, social justice, and outreach to the marginalized. He adopted the name Francis to pay homage to St. Francis of Assisi, a symbol his teachings of the poor and commitment to the environment. He was noted for efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy, promote interfaith dialogue and to make addressing issues like climate change and economic inequality.
His death has drawn expressions of international grief, with condolences from political, religious and civic leaders everywhere. Among the Pope’s last visitors, King Charles III and Queen Camilla said they were deeply saddened, recalling their final visit with him, earlier this month, on a royal tour of Italy. Their visit on April 9, which happened to fall on their 20th wedding anniversary, featured a private audience in which they wished him well as he convalesces from double pneumonia.
As the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning and transition, Pope Francis’s emphasis on humility, compassion, and social justice will continue to influence its direction in the years to come.
