Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit Pontiff and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his passing at 7:35 a.m. on April 21, 2025. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the news, stating, “With deep sorrow, we announce that Pope Francis has passed away. His humility, compassion, and dedication to the marginalised have left an indelible mark on the world.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Francis became the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere when he was elected in 2013. His papacy was marked by efforts to modernise the Church, promote interfaith relations, and advocate for social justice, especially for the marginalised.
Pope Francis’s final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, April 20, when he blessed thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square. This appearance came shortly after his recovery from a severe bout of pneumonia, which had led to a 38-day hospitalisation earlier in the year.
Following his death, the Vatican has entered a nine-day mourning period known as the novemdiales. During this time, Pope Francis’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their respects. His funeral is expected to take place between the fourth and sixth day after his passing, adhering to long-standing Church traditions.
The period between Popes, known as sede vacante, has commenced. The College of Cardinals will oversee the Church’s administration during this time, though no major decisions will be made until a new pope is elected. A conclave will convene within 15 to 20 days, where cardinals under the age of 80 years will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pontiff.
Tributes have poured in from around the world. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof described Pope Francis as “a man of the people,” while Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised his efforts in promoting interfaith harmony. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called him “an inspiration beyond the Catholic Church.”
There is no doubt that Pope Francis’s legacy as a humble servant and advocate for the marginalised will continue to influence the Catholic Church and the broader global community for years to come.
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