Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death occurred at 7:35 AM at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announcing the news to the world at 9:45 AM. The global Catholic community, alongside leaders and faithful from various denominations, now mourns the loss of a leader celebrated for his humility and advocacy for the marginalized, yet whose tenure was marked by division and debate.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis ascended to the papacy on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. As the 266th pope, he chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, signaling his commitment to simplicity, environmental stewardship, and care for the poor. His 12-year papacy was defined by efforts to reform the Church’s bureaucracy, address global issues like climate change and migration, and foster a more inclusive approach to contentious social issues.
A Papacy of Firsts
Pope Francis broke new ground from the outset. As the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Southern Hemisphere, he brought a fresh perspective to an institution often seen as Eurocentric and tradition-bound. His decision to live in the modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace and his preference for simple attire over ornate papal vestments endeared him to millions who saw him as a “people’s pope.”
His encyclicals, such as Laudato Si’ (2015), which called for urgent action on climate change, and Amoris Laetitia (2016), which sparked debate over pastoral approaches to divorced and remarried Catholics, showcased his willingness to tackle modern challenges. Francis also made headlines for his outreach to marginalized groups, including refugees, prisoners, and the LGBTQ+ community, famously stating, “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gay Catholics in 2013.
A Turbulent Reign
Despite his global popularity, Pope Francis’s papacy was not without controversy. His push for reforms, including greater financial transparency in the Vatican and a synodal approach to Church governance, met resistance from conservative factions within the Curia and among the faithful. Critics argued that his progressive stances on issues like same-sex blessings and interfaith dialogue diluted Catholic doctrine, while others praised his efforts to make the Church more welcoming in a rapidly changing world.
His handling of the clergy sexual abuse crisis drew mixed reactions. While Francis took steps to address the issue, including defrocking abusive priests and establishing new reporting mechanisms, survivors and advocates criticized him for not doing enough to hold bishops accountable or compensate victims.
Francis’s outspoken critiques of global capitalism, war, and indifference toward migrants also polarized audiences. Supporters lauded his prophetic voice, with one X user describing him as “a leader for our time” who “looked out into God’s world and asked us to do the same.” Others, however, viewed his interventions as overstepping the spiritual role of the papacy.
Global Reactions and Tributes
News of Pope Francis’s death prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes worldwide. On X, Catholics and non-Catholics alike expressed condolences, with one user calling him “the most forward-thinking pope of my life” and offering prayers for the millions mourning his loss. Another wrote, “R.I.P. May the Lord’s intercession be with him,” reflecting the spiritual weight of his passing on Easter Monday, a day of resurrection and hope in the Christian calendar.
World leaders also paid homage. U.S. President Donald Trump, in a statement, praised Francis as “a voice for peace and compassion,” while French President Emmanuel Macron called him “a moral beacon in turbulent times.” The Dalai Lama, a friend of Francis, highlighted their shared commitment to interfaith dialogue and environmental care.
In Buenos Aires, thousands gathered at the Metropolitan Cathedral, where Francis once served as archbishop, to pray and light candles. Similar scenes unfolded in St. Peter’s Square, where pilgrims braved rain to honor the pontiff who often walked among them.
The Path Ahead
With Pope Francis’s death, the Catholic Church enters a period of sede vacante (vacant see), during which Cardinal Farrell, as Camerlengo, will oversee administrative duties until a new pope is elected. The College of Cardinals, numbering approximately 120 eligible voters under the age of 80, will convene in a conclave within 15 to 20 days to choose Francis’s successor. Speculation is already swirling about whether the next pope will continue Francis’s progressive legacy or steer the Church in a more conservative direction.
The Vatican has not yet released details about the cause of Pope Francis’s death, though the pontiff had faced health challenges in recent years, including respiratory issues and reduced mobility. A funeral Mass is expected to be held in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by burial in the Vatican Grottoes, in keeping with papal tradition.
A Lasting Legacy
Pope Francis leaves behind a Church at a crossroads; more open to dialogue yet grappling with internal divisions and external pressures. His emphasis on mercy, environmental justice, and the dignity of the poor reshaped the papacy’s role in the 21st century, earning him admiration as a “pope of the periphery.” As one Vatican observer noted, “Francis challenged us to live the Gospel in a messy world. His voice will echo long after his death.”
For the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, the loss of Pope Francis marks the end of an era. As the Church prepares to mourn and elect a new leader, the world pauses to reflect on a pontiff who, in his own words, sought to build “a Church that is poor and for the poor.”