Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and its first Latin American pontiff, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death occurred at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae within Vatican City, following complications from double pneumonia after a prolonged hospitalization earlier this year .
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis served as pope for over 12 years, beginning his papacy in March 2013. He was renowned for his humility, commitment to social justice, and efforts to reform the Church. His tenure was marked by advocacy for the poor, environmental stewardship, and efforts to foster interfaith dialogue .
In the days leading up to his passing, Pope Francis made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday, blessing thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, demonstrating his enduring dedication to his flock despite his declining health .
The Vatican has announced that a conclave to elect his successor is scheduled to take place between May 6 and May 11, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel .
For a visual tribute to Pope Francis’s life and legacy, you may find the following video informative:
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