Pope Francis Dies Aged 88

Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. He passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, following a prolonged illness that included a recent hospitalization for double pneumonia .

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first Latin American and Jesuit pope. His 12-year papacy was marked by a commitment to humility, social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities. He was known for his informal style, reforming Vatican finances, appointing women to leadership roles, and promoting interfaith dialogue

Global leaders have paid tribute to Pope Francis’s legacy. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who met with him shortly before his death, expressed sorrow and praised his compassion and advocacy for the marginalized Other leaders, including Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, honored him for his commitment to social justice and environmental stewardship.

The Vatican has announced that funeral arrangements are underway, with global dignitaries expected to attend services at St. Peter’s Basilica. The College of Cardinals will convene a conclave to elect his successor, following traditional Vatican procedures.

Pope Francis’s passing marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, inclusivity, and dedication to the underprivileged.