Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has passed away at the age of 88, marking the end of an era defined by humility, reform, and advocacy for the marginalized. The Vatican officially announced his death in a video statement released on Monday, April 21, 2025. According to the statement, the Holy Father died peacefully in his residence at the Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City at 7:35 a.m. on Easter Monday.
Declining Health in Final Months
The Pope’s health had been deteriorating steadily in recent months. In February 2025, he was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital with a severe respiratory infection, initially diagnosed as chronic bronchitis. His condition later escalated to pneumonia in both lungs and was further complicated by mild kidney failure. Despite undergoing intensive medical care, including multiple hospital visits, his condition remained fragile.
In March, he suffered a serious episode of bronchospasm that caused vomiting and a sudden decline in his respiratory stability. Though the Vatican provided regular updates, often noting that he was in “good spirits” and “cooperating with treatment,” his prognosis remained uncertain.
By late March, the Pope had missed two consecutive public addresses, including the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer. On February 23, he asked Catholics worldwide to pray for him, a gesture that reflected the gravity of his health condition and his deep spiritual bond with the global faithful.
A Life Devoted to Service
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, delivered a heartfelt tribute following the announcement of Pope Francis’ death. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” Farrell 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.”
Pope Francis’ susceptibility to respiratory illness had been a longstanding concern. As a young man, he suffered from pleurisy, which led to the removal of part of one lung. This early health setback did not deter him from dedicating his life to religious service.
A Papacy of Historic Firsts
Elected to the papacy in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis was the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and ushered in a series of remarkable firsts. He was the first Jesuit Pope, the first Pope from Latin America, and the first non-European Pope in more than 1,200 years—since Pope Gregory III of Syria.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, a symbol of humility and service to the poor. This choice foreshadowed the type of leadership he would bring to the Vatican—one rooted in compassion, social justice, and moral courage.
Champion of the Marginalized and Reformer of the Church
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis became globally recognized for his progressive views and efforts to reform the Catholic Church. He balanced the Church’s traditional doctrines with a deep understanding of modern challenges. His tenure was marked by consistent advocacy for refugees, vocal condemnation of war and global inequality, and urgent appeals for climate action.
One of his most notable moments came in 2013 when he responded to a question about gay priests by saying, “Who am I to judge?”—a statement that resonated around the world and signaled a shift in the Church’s tone on LGBTQ+ issues. He later approved blessings for same-sex civil unions, a landmark move within the Catholic hierarchy.
Pope Francis also worked to expand the role of women in the Church, appointing them to senior Vatican positions previously held exclusively by men. Additionally, he broke with long-held papal traditions by choosing to live in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a modest guesthouse, rather than the luxurious Apostolic Palace—emphasizing his commitment to humility and simplicity.
A Moral Voice in a Troubled World
The Pope never shied away from addressing global crises. He consistently spoke out against the war in Ukraine, championed the cause of migrants and displaced persons, and called on world leaders to act urgently against climate change. Under his leadership, the Vatican became increasingly active in diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.
His writings, including the encyclicals Laudato Si’ on environmental care and Fratelli Tutti on human fraternity, left a lasting theological and moral legacy that extended far beyond the Church’s traditional boundaries.
Remembering Pope Francis
As the world mourns the loss of a spiritual giant, tributes have begun pouring in from religious and political leaders, humanitarian organizations, and ordinary people who were touched by his words and actions. Pope Francis leaves behind a Catholic Church that is more outward-looking, inclusive, and socially engaged than it was before his pontificate.
His death not only marks the end of a profound chapter in Church history but also challenges the global faithful to carry forward his vision of a more compassionate and just world.
Plans for the funeral rites and the election of a new pope will be announced by the Vatican in the coming days.
