Introduction: The Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at age 88. His death, following a battle with pneumonia, has prompted global mourning and preparations for a papal conclave. This article details his legacy, the Vatican's mourning rites, and the world’s response.
A Transformative Papacy
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, began his papacy on March 13, 2013. As the first Jesuit pope and the first from Latin America, he redefined the papacy with humility, choosing to reside in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta instead of the papal apartments. His focus on the poor, climate change, and interfaith dialogue made him a global figure, though his reforms sparked debate within the Church.
Final Days and Health Battle
Francis passed away at 7:35 AM on April 21, 2025, at Casa Santa Marta after a 38-day battle with pneumonia and a five-week stay at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Despite his frailty, he appeared publicly on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, blessing crowds in St. Peter’s Square. Hours before his death, he met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, showcasing his enduring commitment.
Vatican’s Mourning and Coffin Rite
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo, announced: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.” He praised Francis for embodying “the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love.” Via AFP, the Vatican stated that on Monday, April 21, at 8:00 PM (1800 GMT), Cardinal Farrell will preside over the rite of certification of death and the laying of Pope Francis’s body in a coffin at the chapel in Casa Santa Marta, where he lived. This marks the start of a nine-day mourning period, the novemdiales.
Global Tributes
World leaders mourned Francis’s passing. Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla, who visited him in April 2025, said they were “most deeply saddened,” noting his profound impact. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed him as “a pope for the poor,” emphasizing his legacy of fairness. Leaders like Argentina’s Javier Milei and Ursula von der Leyen also honored his humility and advocacy.
Papal Conclave and Succession
The Vatican will convene a papal conclave within 15-20 days to elect a new pope. The College of Cardinals, with 138 eligible voters, will meet in the Sistine Chapel for a secret ballot requiring a two-thirds majority. Francis’s reforms may shape the selection, with discussions anticipated on the Church’s future.
A Lasting Legacy
Pope Francis’s legacy of compassion endures. His simplified funeral, set within six days at St. Peter’s Basilica, aligns with his humility, with burial planned at Santa Maria Maggiore. As 1.4 billion Catholics mourn, his teachings on justice and care for the marginalized will inspire future generations.