Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at his residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City. The Vatican confirmed that he died at 7:35 a.m. local time due to a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the pontiff’s death during a televised statement from the Vatican.
Despite his declining health, Pope Francis made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. He delivered his ‘Urbi et Orbi‘ blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, addressing thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square. This marked his final public appearance before his passing.
In the weeks leading up to his death, Pope Francis faced significant health issues, including a 38-day hospitalization for double pneumonia caused by a multimicrobial infection. He also suffered from acute respiratory failure, multiple bronchiectasis, arterial hypertension, and type II diabetes. These conditions contributed to his weakened state and eventual passing.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected in 2013, becoming the first Latin American and Jesuit pope. His papacy was marked by efforts to modernize the Church, emphasizing humility, compassion, and social justice. He advocated for the marginalized, addressed climate change, and took steps to make the Church more inclusive.
Following his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, making him the first pope to be interred outside the Vatican since Pope Leo XIII in 1903. His body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica to allow the faithful to pay their respects. The funeral is expected to take place within four to six days following his death.
Leaders worldwide have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Pope Francis’s legacy. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who met with the Pope shortly before his death, praised his dedication to social justice. Other global figures, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, lauded his commitment to peace and inclusivity.
Following Pope Francis’s death, the Vatican enters a period known as “sede vacante” (the seat being vacant). A conclave will be convened within 15 to 20 days, during which the College of Cardinals will elect the next pope. Preparations for this significant event are already underway in Vatican City.
