Pope Francis has died, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and reform.
- Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88, was known for his efforts to promote reform and inclusivity in the Catholic Church.
- His papacy was marked by a commitment to addressing abuse by clergy and promoting dialogue with marginalized communities, including LGBTQ individuals.
- The Vatican has confirmed his death, and tributes have been pouring in, highlighting his legacy of compassion and moral leadership during his 12-year tenure.
At 7:35 a.m. (local time) today, the supreme head of the Catholic Church, the Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis, passed away to be with God. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced his death with these words: “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I announce that our Holy Father Francis is no longer with us. His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and his Church.”
At the age of 88, after suffering from a long respiratory illness, he breathed his last in the Casa Santa Marta residence in the Vatican. Pope Francis, whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, became Pope in March 2013, when Pope Benedict XVI resigned. He was from the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and was the eldest of five children.
In recent years he had struggled with a number of health problems, including bronchitis, pneumonia, and chronic asthma. In February 2025, he was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where his condition deteriorated during treatment. He returned to the Vatican after 38 days in the hospital, but his health did not improve.
He was unable to read the Easter Sunday prayers, but he blessed the crowd in a packed St. Peter’s Square with a raised hand and said, “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.” This became his last public message.
Even in his final days, he continued to speak to people associated with a Catholic church in Gaza. He appealed for prayers for the ongoing conflicts in the world, especially for Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, Sudan, and Myanmar. “From here the war seems even more senseless,” he said.
Pope Francis had broken tradition for his funeral and wished to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore—a symbol of his devotion to the Virgin Mary. His body will be placed in St. Peter’s Basilica, where people from around the world can pay their last respects.
Cardinal Farrell concluded, “We express our immense gratitude to the Lord for his exemplary life, and we commend his soul to the infinite mercy of the Triune God.”
Pope Francis was not only a pastor but also a true servant, an apostle of peace, and a beacon of love. With his departure, not only the Church but all of humanity has lost a unique guide.
