In a deeply saddening development, the Vatican has announced that Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. local time in Vatican City. He was 88 years old.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis became the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013. He was the first Jesuit pope, the first from Latin America, and the first non-European to hold the papacy in over a millennium. Known for his humility, compassion, and progressive stances, he captured the hearts of millions around the globe.
Pope Francis’s papacy was marked by a strong focus on social justice, care for the marginalized, climate action, and transparency within the Church. He advocated for the poor, supported interfaith dialogue, and took significant steps to address clerical abuse scandals that had rocked the Catholic Church. His messages often transcended religious boundaries, making him a respected moral voice in international affairs.
Despite ongoing health issues, including chronic lung problems and a recent battle with double pneumonia, the Pope remained active in his duties. His final public appearance came on Easter Sunday, when he delivered a heartfelt “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, though visibly frail.
Following his death, the Vatican will enter a period known as sede vacante (the seat being vacant), during which the College of Cardi
nals will