Pope Francis, The leader of the Roman Catholic Church, dies at 88
Pope Francis, the first non-European pontiff in nearly 1,300 years and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. local time in his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta. He was 88.
The pope had been hospitalized for 38 days starting February 14, 2025, initially for bronchitis before developing bilateral pneumonia. After being discharged in late March, he surprised crowds by appearing at St. Peter’s Square during Holy Week and delivering the Easter Sunday blessing from the basilica’s balcony. His final public engagement included a meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires (1936), Francis became the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas. Known for his humility, he championed social justice causes, criticized anti-migrant policies, and pushed for reforms on issues like homosexuality and women’s roles in the Church. However, his tenure faced challenges, including ongoing clergy sexual abuse scandals.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, announced the death and will oversee the Vatican’s operations until a successor is chosen. Italy’s Serie A postponed Monday’s football matches as a mark of respect. A conclave of cardinals is expected to convene in Rome to elect the next pope amid debates about the Church’s future direction.
