Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Monday, 21 April, 2025, at the age of 88, the Vatican announced.
The Argentine-born pope, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away at 7:35 AM in his residence at Casa Santa Marta after a prolonged battle with pneumonia and respiratory complications. His death marks the end of a 12-year papacy defined by humility, advocacy for the marginalized, and efforts to modernize the Church, while also navigating deep divisions within its ranks.
The Vatican confirmed that Francis succumbed to complications from double pneumonia, which had hospitalised him for 38 days earlier this year. Despite a brief recovery, his frail health, compounded by a history of lung issues, led to his passing.
Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, the Camerlengo, officially verified the death, initiating the Church’s traditional rites. Francis’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing, followed by a funeral in St. Mary Major Basilica, per his wishes for a simpler burial.
World leaders expressed profound sorrow, reflecting on Francis’s global influence. former U.S. President Joe Biden, the second Catholic U.S. president, called Francis “a moral beacon whose compassion inspired millions.” Recalling their 2021 meeting, Biden praised his “unwavering commitment to the poor and refugees.”
Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described him as “a voice for peace in a turbulent world,” noting his efforts to bridge divides between faiths.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed Francis as “a transformative figure who brought the Church closer to the people.” She referenced his 2019 visit to Lampedusa, where he decried indifference to migrants, a stance that resonated globally but sparked controversy among conservative factions.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lauded his “inclusive vision,” emphasizing his calls for environmental stewardship in the encyclical Laudato Si’.
In Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva mourned the loss of “a defender of the oppressed,” highlighting Francis’s criticism of economic inequality.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s President Javier Milei, despite past tensions with Francis, expressed “deep respect” for his compatriot, declaring a national day of mourning.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called him “a tireless advocate for human rights and interfaith dialogue,” underscoring his 2024 G7 address warning against the perils of artificial intelligence and war.
Francis’s papacy was marked by bold reforms, including opening roles to women and the LGBT+ community, though these moves drew ire from conservative Catholics.
His efforts to address clergy abuse yielded mixed results, with critics arguing he fell short of systemic change. His outspokenness on global issues —such as Gaza, Ukraine, and migration —often put him at odds with political leaders, notably during a public clash with U.S. Vice President JD Vance over migration policies.
As the Vatican enters the sede vacante period, the College of Cardinals, led by Dean Giovanni Battista Re, will prepare for a conclave to elect a successor. The world watches as the Church faces a pivotal moment, balancing Francis’s progressive legacy with calls for tradition.
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