The Vatican has announced the passing of Pope Francis. He died at 7:35 a.m. on April 21, 2025, in his room at Domus Sanctae Marthae. The cause was a stroke followed by heart failure. He was 88 years old and deeply admired by millions of Catholics worldwide. His death was confirmed by electrocardiogram.
Earlier this year, Francis had been hospitalized twice with severe pneumonia. He also suffered from bronchiectasis, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.
In his will, the Pope requested a simple burial at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, located in Rome’s Esquiline district. This broke with the long-standing tradition of burying popes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. He had prayed there before and after each international trip. His final visit was on April 12. 
He stated that his grave should have no special decoration, and that his papal name, Franciscus, should be carved in Latin. The will also mentioned that the funeral would be funded by a private donor. That amount would be transferred to the basilica, with instructions given to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas.
Funeral Schedule and Transition
His body was placed in a coffin inside the chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae on Monday evening. It will be transported to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning for public viewing. Cardinals will meet Tuesday to decide on the funeral date, which must occur within four to six days. A nine-day official mourning period will follow.
Following Francis’s death, a papal conclave will be held in the Sistine Chapel. It must begin within 20 days. About 138 voting cardinals are expected to participate in the secretive election.
Potential candidates previously mentioned include Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy, Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines.
Global Tributes and Reactions
King Charles III expressed deep sorrow, recalling his and the Queen’s recent visit to the Pope in Rome. He praised Francis for his compassion and steadfast commitment.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media: “Rest in peace, Pope Francis! God bless him and all who loved him!” Joe Biden called him one of the most influential leaders of our era. Barack Obama described him as “a rare leader who made us want to be better.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was honored by his friendship and guidance, which remained strong even during times of hardship.
A Papacy of Reform and Resistance
As the first Jesuit pope, Francis dedicated his 12-year papacy to championing the poor and marginalized. He often criticized greed in corporations and growing inequality in society. He also condemned extravagance within the Roman Curia, urging leaders of the Church to live humbly.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was elected in March 2013. He refused papal luxury from the start. He rode a bus instead of a limousine, paid his hotel bill personally, and chose to live in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the papal apartments.
He once declared his dream was to build “a poor Church for the poor.” His message resonated with people across the world.
In 2015, he issued a 180-page encyclical urging action on climate change. He also said that unregulated capitalism was “the dung of the devil.”
His Stance on Refugees, Abuse, and Morality
Francis constantly spoke out for refugees. He brought 12 Syrian refugees back to the Vatican after visiting the Greek island of Lesbos. Even during his final hospitalization, he kept in daily contact with Holy Family Church in Gaza, maintaining this routine every evening since October 2023.
One of the biggest crises of his papacy was the sexual abuse scandal within the Church. In his early years, he faced criticism for not fully grasping the scale of the problem. However, in 2019, he summoned bishops worldwide to address the issue. He then passed laws requiring clergy to report abuse and protect whistleblowers. These actions went further than any of his predecessors.
Francis was also known for his compassionate view on gender, sexuality, and family. When asked about gay priests, he famously responded, “Who am I to judge?” He upheld the Church’s teachings on marriage and abortion but avoided harsh rhetoric.
A Lasting Connection with People
Francis was one of the most beloved popes in modern history. Everywhere he went, he drew enormous crowds. Many waited for hours just to see him wave from his popemobile. His warmth and authenticity made him especially popular with young people.
In a message to Catholic youth in 2016, he said, “Happiness is not an app you can download.” It was a line that captured his ability to blend timeless wisdom with the concerns of the modern world.
