Introduction: The Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death marks the end of a transformative 12-year papacy defined by humility, compassion, and advocacy for the marginalized. This article explores his legacy, the circumstances of his passing, and the upcoming papal conclave to elect his successor.
A Historic Papacy
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, began his papacy on March 13, 2013. As the first pontiff from Latin America and the first from the Jesuit order, he brought a fresh perspective to the Catholic Church. Known for his simplicity and focus on the poor, Francis lived in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta rather than the ornate papal apartments, emphasizing humility. His papacy addressed global issues like climate change, migration, and interfaith dialogue, though it faced criticism from both conservatives and progressives.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/pope-francis-has-died-vatican-says-video-statement-2025-04-21/)[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/21/europe/pope-francis-dies-intl/index.html)Final Days and Health Struggles
Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 AM on Easter Monday, 2025, at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, following a severe health crisis. He was hospitalized for 38 days at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital in February and March 2025, battling double pneumonia and early-stage kidney failure. Despite his frail condition, he made a public appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, blessing crowds in St. Peter’s Square from his popemobile. His resilience was evident as he met U.S. Vice President JD Vance hours before his death.
[](https://news.sky.com/story/pope-francis-has-died-the-vatican-says-12890455)[](https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/pope-francis-death-04-21-25/index.html)Vatican’s Announcement
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo, announced the pontiff’s death in a heartfelt statement: “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.” Farrell praised Francis for teaching “the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.” The Vatican has declared a nine-day mourning period, known as the novemdiales, and preparations for a simplified funeral, per Francis’ wishes, are underway.
[](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/pope-francis-dies-on-easter-monday-aged-88.html)[](https://x.com/VaticanNews/status/1914229389572682203)Global Tributes
World leaders expressed grief and admiration for Pope Francis. Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla, who visited Francis earlier in April 2025, said they were “most deeply saddened” and noted that he “profoundly touched the lives of so many.” UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called him “a pope for the poor, downtrodden, and forgotten,” emphasizing his lasting legacy of fairness. Other leaders, including Argentina’s President Javier Milei and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, lauded his humility and advocacy for the vulnerable.
[](https://www.bbc.com/news/live/crknlnzlrzdt)[](https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/apr/21/pope-francis-dead-dies-catholic-church-latest-news-updates)The Path Forward: Papal Conclave
Following Francis’ death, the Vatican will hold a papal conclave within 15 to 20 days to elect a new pope. The College of Cardinals, comprising 138 eligible voters under 80, will gather in the Sistine Chapel for a secret ballot requiring a two-thirds majority. The process, marked by black or white smoke to signal voting outcomes, is steeped in centuries-old tradition. Francis’ reforms may influence the choice of his successor, with debates expected over the Church’s future direction.
[](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70q0980224o)[](https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/04/21/pope-francis-dies-at-88-what-happens-next-in-the-vatican)Legacy of Compassion
Pope Francis leaves a legacy of compassion, reform, and global outreach. His simplified funeral, to be held within six days at St. Peter’s Basilica, reflects his preference for humility, with burial planned at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a first in over a century. As the Catholic Church and 1.4 billion faithful mourn, his teachings on justice, peace, and care for the marginalized will endure.
[](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14413575/What-happens-Pope-Francis-died-Conclave.html)[](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/21/pope-francis-dead-at-88-vatican-reports)