Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that he died at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Francis was elected as the 266th pope in March 2013. He was known for his humility and commitment to social justice, often emphasizing care for the poor and marginalized. Throughout his papacy, he advocated for inclusivity within the Church, addressing issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Francis’s tenure was marked by efforts to reform the Vatican’s bureaucracy and to address the Church’s sexual abuse scandals. He also made historic outreach efforts, including engagements with Muslim leaders and the Russian Orthodox Church.
In recent years, Francis faced several health challenges, including a hospitalization in February 2025 for bronchitis that developed into pneumonia. Despite these issues, he continued to fulfill many of his papal duties until his health declined further.
The Vatican has not yet released details regarding funeral arrangements. Pope Francis’s death marks the end of a significant and transformative era in the Catholic Church.
