Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and a transformative figure in modern Catholicism, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. The Vatican confirmed that his death resulted from a stroke, which led to a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over a millennium. His papacy was marked by a commitment to humility, inclusivity, and social justice. He was known for his progressive stances, including support for same-sex civil unions, environmental advocacy, and efforts to address the clerical sex abuse crisis.
Despite facing health challenges in recent years, including a hospitalization for double pneumonia, Pope Francis remained active in his duties. He delivered his final public appearance during Easter celebrations, offering his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from a wheelchair.
Following his death, the Vatican has initiated the traditional protocols for a papal transition. According to Church law, a conclave to elect the next pope is expected to convene between May 6 and May 11, 2025, unless all cardinal electors arrive in Rome sooner.
In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, making him the first pope to be interred outside the Vatican since Pope Leo XIII in 1903.
