
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide and a transformative figure in the modern history of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88.

The Vatican confirmed that the pontiff passed away at 7:35 a.m. CEST on April 21, 2025, at his residence in Domus Sanctae Marthae following complications from a stroke and subsequent heart failure. His death ends a historic 12-year papacy that redefined the Church’s global role in the 21st century.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis made history in March 2013 by becoming the first pope from Latin America, the first Jesuit pope, and the first non-European to lead the Church in over a millennium. His election marked a turning point for a Church grappling with scandal, division, and declining influence in the modern world.
Francis became widely known not only for his deeply personal style—eschewing papal luxury for modest living—but also for his outspoken advocacy on climate change, poverty, and social justice. His encyclicals, particularly Laudato si’, called on the world to act on environmental degradation and economic inequality with moral urgency.
Throughout his pontificate, Francis worked to reshape the Catholic Church into a more pastoral, inclusive institution. While his progressive tone was welcomed by many, it also drew criticism from more conservative factions within the Church. Nonetheless, he remained steadfast in his calls for compassion, particularly toward migrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and victims of abuse.
The Pope’s funeral was held on April 26 at St. Peter’s Basilica, attended by more than 400,000 mourners and delegations from around the world, including 130 international representatives and 50 heads of state. In accordance with his wishes, Francis was laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome—a place dear to him throughout his life and papacy.
The Vatican has announced that the conclave to elect his successor will begin on May 7.
In death, as in life, Pope Francis is remembered as a voice of moral clarity and deep humanity. His legacy is one of humility, mercy, and unshakable commitment to the Gospel’s call to care for the least among us.