Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed on 21 April 2025.
The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, in a solemn statement delivered early Monday morning.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” Cardinal Farrell said. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church.”
The Vatican described Pope Francis’ death as a profound loss, marking the end of a transformative papacy that began in 2013 when he succeeded Pope Benedict XVI. His papacy lasted over a decade and was defined by efforts to modernise the Church, amplify compassion, and promote global solidarity.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, was the first pope from South America and the first Jesuit to hold the position. His election marked a shift toward a more pastoral and globally representative papacy.
Nicknamed the “People’s Pope”, he was revered for his down-to-earth approach, accessibility, and moral leadership on social justice issues.
He was known for championing the poor, refugees, and marginalised communities. In 2016, he made global headlines when he washed the feet of asylum seekers of various faiths during Holy Week, a gesture of humility and inclusivity.
Francis also confronted complex moral and societal issues. He expressed unprecedented openness toward the LGBTQ community, once stating, “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge them?” This stance was seen as a significant shift in tone within the Church.
Despite this, his progressive reputation was later tempered. In April 2024, he signed the doctrinal text Dignitas Infinita, which reaffirmed the Vatican’s traditional positions on gender reassignment, surrogacy, abortion, and euthanasia. Controversy also surrounded reports that he had used a homophobic slur in a private setting, raising questions about the consistency of his stance on LGBTQ issues.
His health had been a recurring concern in recent years. According to Sky News, Pope Francis was hospitalised multiple times since 2021, suffering from bronchitis, bilateral pneumonia, and kidney complications.
Most recently, he spent 38 days in hospital between February and March 2025, during which he received oxygen support, blood transfusions, and ongoing respiratory care. On 23 March, he briefly reappeared on a hospital balcony to greet supporters, showing visible signs of fatigue.
Despite his deteriorating health, he continued to fulfil key duties, including delivering an address at the Easter Sunday service the day before his death. Doctors had prescribed ongoing rest and physiotherapy, noting the successful treatment of pneumonia but continuing concerns related to lung infections.
His earlier medical history included surgery to remove part of his colon in 2021 and treatment for a hernia in 2023. As a young man, he had part of a lung removed, which continued to impact his health throughout life.
In 2022, he had openly discussed the possibility of resigning due to declining health, following the precedent set by Pope Benedict XVI. However, he chose to continue serving, stating his commitment to God and the Church.
Tributes have poured in from around the world. Thousands of Catholics gathered in St Peter’s Square on the evening of his death to pray and mourn, as scenes of sorrow and reverence played out across Rome.
Pope Francis’ passing marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church, which serves an estimated 1.4 billion followers globally. His legacy is expected to resonate for generations, particularly in areas of interfaith dialogue, climate action, and compassionate leadership.
The Vatican has not yet announced the details of the funeral rites or the timing of the conclave that will elect his successor. Preparations are expected to follow the formal traditions of papal transition, led by the College of Cardinals under Cardinal Farrell’s supervision.
As tributes continue to emerge from religious leaders, political figures, and the faithful, the world pauses to reflect on the life and ministry of Pope Francis — a pontiff who, through action and words, strived to bring the Catholic Church closer to the people it serves.
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