Vatican Announces the Death of Pope Francis

On Monday, April 21, 2025, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, at the age of 88. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, delivered the somber news in a video statement, saying, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.” The announcement came just one day after Pope Francis made a public appearance on Easter Sunday, greeting crowds from an open-air popemobile in St. Peter’s Square, despite ongoing health challenges.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, succumbed to complications from double pneumonia, compounded by a prolonged battle with respiratory illnesses and early-stage kidney insufficiency. He had been hospitalized for 38 days earlier in 2025, discharged on March 23 after treatment for severe bronchitis and pneumonia. His death marks the end of a 12-year papacy that began on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.

A Historic Papacy: The First Latin American Pope

Pope Francis was a trailblazer in many respects. As the first Latin American pope, the first Jesuit, and the first non-European pontiff since the 8th century, he brought a unique perspective to the Vatican. His papacy was defined by a commitment to humility, social justice, and reform, earning him both admiration and criticism. Known for his simple lifestyle—residing in the Casa Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace—Francis emphasized compassion for the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable.

His reign was marked by significant efforts to modernize the Catholic Church. Francis issued encyclicals addressing climate change, global solidarity, and faith, including Laudato Si’ (2015), which called for environmental stewardship. He canonized over 900 saints, appointed 109 of the 135 cardinal electors, and undertook extensive international trips to promote interfaith dialogue and peace. His progressive stances, such as advocating for inclusivity toward the LGBTQIA community and critiquing unchecked capitalism, sparked debate within the Church, with some hailing him as a visionary and others viewing his reforms as divisive.

Francis was also a vocal advocate for peace, notably calling for a ceasefire in Gaza during the 2023 conflict and maintaining nightly contact with Christians in the region. His commitment to the marginalized earned him praise as “the most progressive priest” by some on social media.

Health Struggles and Final Days

Pope Francis’s health had been a concern in recent years. In February 2025, he was hospitalized for bronchitis, which developed into double pneumonia affecting both lungs. Despite a 38-day hospital stay, he appeared resilient, making an unexpected appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, to deliver his “Urbi et Orbi” blessing and call for “freedom of thought and tolerance.” His death the following day shocked many, given his apparent recovery. The Vatican later confirmed that a complex lung infection and kidney issues contributed to his passing.

Global Reactions and Tributes

The announcement of Pope Francis’s death prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from world leaders, religious figures, and ordinary citizens. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences, calling Francis “a beacon of compassion and hope” for his service to the poor. U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump paid tribute, with Trump posting, “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis,” alongside images from their 2017 meeting. Former U.S. President Joe Biden described him as “one of the most consequential leaders of our time.”

King Charles III of the United Kingdom, who met Francis with Queen Camilla earlier in April, said he was “deeply saddened” and praised his compassion. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called him “a reconciling and warm-hearted person,” while Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed him as “an outstanding man.” Even Argentine President Javier Milei, who once clashed with Francis, mourned his death, noting his “goodness and wisdom.”

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan lauded Francis’s advocacy for the marginalized and his critique of capitalism, emphasizing his legacy of empathy and social justice. Social media platforms, particularly X, were flooded with tributes, with users praising his humility, support for Gaza, and inclusive stance on same-sex unions.

Vatican Protocols and the Path Forward

Following Pope Francis’s death, the Vatican entered the sede vacante period, meaning “the seat is vacant,” during which the College of Cardinals assumes temporary governance of the Church. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, as camerlengo, is overseeing preparations, including the official verification of the pope’s death, the destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring, and arrangements for the funeral.

In line with Francis’s wishes for simplicity, his body will not be displayed on a catafalque but will remain in its coffin during public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica, starting Wednesday, April 23. He requested burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, a departure from the tradition of burial in St. Peter’s Basilica, making him the first pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican. The funeral Mass is expected to take place between April 25 and April 27, 2025.

The College of Cardinals, led by Dean Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, will convene in “general congregations” to plan the funeral and mourning period. A conclave to elect the next pope is anticipated to begin between May 6 and May 11, 2025, within 15 to 20 days of Francis’s death. Of the 135 cardinal electors, 109 were appointed by Francis, suggesting his influence may shape the choice of his successor. No clear frontrunner has emerged, and the secretive conclave process will unfold in the Sistine Chapel, culminating in white smoke signaling the election of a new pope.

Impact on Rome and Vatican City

While Rome and Vatican City will not shut down entirely, heightened security and ceremonial events may lead to temporary closures of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. The Italian soccer league postponed matches scheduled for April 21 in response to the pope’s death, reflecting the national significance of the event. Travelers are advised to expect disruptions due to the influx of pilgrims and dignitaries.

A Lasting Legacy

Pope Francis’s 12-year papacy leaves an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the world. His emphasis on humility, environmental protection, and inclusivity challenged traditional norms and inspired millions. As the Vatican prepares to transition to a new era, the global Catholic community—1.4 billion strong—mourns a leader who sought to bridge divides and champion the voiceless.

His final public words on Easter Sunday, “Christ is risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life,” resonate as a fitting epitaph for a pontiff who lived to uplift others. The world now watches as the Catholic Church navigates the intricate rituals of succession, with the legacy of Pope Francis guiding its path forward.