Pope Francis, First Latin American Pontiff, Dies at 88
Vatican City, April 21, 2025 – Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday at 7:35 AM at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. He was 88. The Vatican announced his death through a video statement, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, confirming: “Dear brothers and sisters, with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Pope Francis led the Catholic Church for 12 years since his election in 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. As the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Western Hemisphere, he brought a message of humility, compassion, and reform, emphasizing care for the poor, marginalized, and the environment. His papacy was marked by efforts to modernize the Church while navigating deep divisions over issues like climate change, immigration, and social justice.
Francis’ health had been frail in recent years, compounded by chronic lung issues stemming from having part of one lung removed at age 21. In February 2025, he was hospitalized for 38 days at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital with double pneumonia, a crisis that brought him close to death twice. Despite a remarkable recovery, during which he resumed public appearances, including a surprise popemobile tour in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, his condition deteriorated rapidly. Just 24 hours before his passing, he delivered an Easter blessing to thousands, drawing cheers of “Viva il Papa!”
Cardinal Farrell, announcing the pontiff’s death, said: “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.” Tributes poured in globally, with Catholics and world leaders mourning the loss of a pope who championed peace and dialogue. His final public message called for an end to conflicts, notably in Gaza, lamenting the “death and destruction” in war-torn regions.
The Vatican now enters a period of mourning and preparation for the conclave to elect a new pope, a process guided by ancient traditions but shaped by Francis’ legacy of openness and reform. The Catholic world, with its 1.4 billion members, reflects on a papacy that challenged conventions and sought to bring the Church closer to the people.
As St. Peter’s Square fills with mourners, the words of Francis’ Easter blessing linger: “There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, and respect for the views of others.” His death marks the end of a historic chapter, but his call for compassion and justice endures.
