Pope Francis Death
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death in a video statement on Monday, saying he passed away peacefully at 7:35 AM at his home in Vatican City after suffering complications from double pneumonia.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell shared the sad news on the Vatican’s TV channel: “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. This morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
The pope’s death comes just one day after he made a rare public appearance for Easter Sunday. Riding in his popemobile through St. Peter’s Square, he waved to cheering crowds and gave a special Easter blessing—the first since Christmas. He had recently been released from the hospital after a 38-day stay due to pneumonia, and this Easter appearance was seen as a hopeful sign of recovery.
World leaders quickly shared tributes, praising Pope Francis for his efforts to bring change and compassion to the Church. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said, “He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate.” Jose Ramos-Horta, President of East Timor—a country Francis visited in 2024—called him a symbol of “humanity, justice, and human fraternity.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was elected pope on March 13, 2013. He was seen as an outsider but quickly won hearts with his concern for the poor and his humble lifestyle. Unlike past popes, he chose not to live in the grand papal apartments, saying he preferred to live in a community setting for his mental and emotional well-being.
When he became pope, the Church was going through a crisis—struggling with the fallout from child sex abuse scandals and deep divisions within the Vatican. He was chosen to bring stability and restore trust. While he made progress in many areas, his leadership also sparked tension.
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Conservatives often criticized him for breaking with long-held traditions. Meanwhile, progressives felt he didn’t go far enough with reforms. Despite these challenges, Francis became a global figure, beloved for his efforts to promote peace, support migrants, and build bridges between different religions.
One unique aspect of Francis’ time as pope was that he shared the Vatican with his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013 but continued to live nearby until his death in 2022. Benedict was a conservative icon, and the contrast between the two leaders often highlighted the deep divisions in the Church.
Even with opposition, Francis remained committed to his mission of inclusion and mercy. He appointed nearly 80% of the cardinals who will choose the next pope, meaning his influence will likely continue. Many observers believe the next pope may follow in his more progressive footsteps.
Pope Francis leaves behind a Church still struggling with change, but his time as leader will be remembered for its focus on kindness, humility, and the need to care for the world’s most vulnerable.
Highlights:
Pope Francis died at age 88 on April 21, 2025, from complications related to double pneumonia.
He was the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, elected in 2013, known for his humble and reform-focused leadership.
He promoted compassion, inclusion, and care for the poor, while also addressing Church scandals and advocating for global justice.
His papacy faced criticism from both conservatives and progressives, reflecting internal Church tensions.
Francis appointed 80% of the cardinals who will choose his successor, strongly influencing the Church’s future direction.
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