Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday
Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and a beloved figure known for his humility and compassion, passed away peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
The Vatican announced that its first Latin American pontiff died at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence at Casa Santa Marta.
At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was elected pope in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His election made history—he was the first pope from the Americas, the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years, and the first Jesuit pope.
Jesuits, officially known as the Society of Jesus, are a religious order of the Catholic Church known for their commitment to education, intellectual inquiry, and missionary work. Often seen as forward-thinking within Catholic circles, Jesuits take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and are trained to approach faith with critical thought and social justice in mind.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis embodied these values, championing the rights of the poor, migrants, and LGBTQ+ communities, supporting same-sex civil unions, condemning anti-gay laws, and calling for the global abolition of the death penalty. He also emphasized humility and transparency within the Church.
Despite recent health setbacks, including a hospitalization for double pneumonia, Francis delivered his final “Urbi et Orbi” blessing on Easter Sunday Vice President J.D. Vance, who met with the pope that day, said, “He was obviously very ill.”
World leaders have since paid tribute to his legacy, including King Charles III, who praised the pope’s “compassion” and “tireless commitment.”
Pope Francis requested a simple funeral and will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, marking a rare departure from the traditional papal resting place at St. Peter’s Basilica. A papal conclave is expected to take place in May to elect his successor.
