Vatican City: Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88. The Vatican announced his death on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, after a period of declining health marked by multiple hospital visits and a recent severe bout of double pneumonia.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement on Vatican TV. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis made history in 2013 when he was elected as the 266th pope following the resignation of Benedict XVI. He was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to lead the Church.
During his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis became known for his humility, advocacy for the poor, and efforts to reform the Church. He confronted major challenges, including the global clergy sexual abuse scandal and internal divisions within the Vatican. Despite resistance from both conservative and progressive factions, he led significant changes, including restructuring the Roman Curia and appointing women to senior roles within Vatican administration.
He traveled extensively—making 47 international trips to more than 65 countries—and canonized over 900 saints. In a notable shift, he authorized priests to bless same-sex couples and convened high-level synods addressing issues such as women’s ordination and the Church’s stance on sexuality.
While his legacy remains complex and debated, Pope Francis is widely credited with attempting to steer the Catholic Church toward greater inclusivity and engagement with the modern world.
Funeral arrangements and further announcements are expected from the Vatican in the coming hours.
