Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and a transformative figure in modern Church history, has died. He passed away at 7:35 a.m. on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
The Vatican confirmed his death in a brief statement, noting that the Holy Father “passed peacefully” in his residence at the Vatican. No immediate cause of death has been disclosed, though the Pope had been battling health challenges in recent years, including respiratory issues and limited mobility.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years. His papacy was marked by an emphasis on mercy, humility, and social justice, as well as outspoken advocacy for the poor, migrants, and the environment.
In his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis became a global moral voice, urging a “revolution of tenderness” in a world often marked by conflict and inequality. His encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti received worldwide attention for calling humanity to environmental stewardship and universal fraternity.
As the Church mourns his passing, tributes are already pouring in from leaders around the world. Flags at the Vatican are flying at half-mast, and preparations are underway for a funeral Mass expected to draw millions of mourners and heads of state.
The College of Cardinals will soon convene to begin the formal process of selecting a new pope.
Pope Francis is remembered not only as a spiritual shepherd but as a pope who brought the Church closer to the people — walking with the wounded, reforming institutions, and preaching hope in the face of a changing world.
