Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died at 7:35 a.m. CEST in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City, following complications from a prolonged respiratory illness, including a recent battle with double pneumonia .
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first Latin American pope and the first Jesuit to assume the papacy in 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His papacy was marked by a commitment to humility, social justice, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue. He was widely recognized for his efforts to reform the Church and address issues such as poverty, climate change, and the refugee crisis .
The Vatican has initiated traditional rites, including a viewing by Vatican officials and a public Rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square. Pope Francis is expected to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, in accordance with his wishes . A papal conclave to elect his successor is anticipated to begin on May 6, 2025 .
Tributes have poured in from around the world. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who met with Pope Francis the day before his death, expressed sorrow and praised his legacy. Global leaders, including Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, honored Pope Francis for his compassion, advocacy for the marginalized, and commitment to social justice, refugees, and climate action .
In Italy, Serie A and Primavera 1 football matches were postponed as a mark of respect. Clubs such as AS Roma and Lazio issued heartfelt tributes, praising Pope Francis’s humility, faith, and dedication to inclusion, peace, and sportsmanship .
Pope Francis’s death marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church. His legacy of humility, compassion, and advocacy for the marginalized will continue to inspire millions worldwide.
