Vatican, April 21, 2025. The Catholic world and millions of believers across five continents are deeply saddened as the Vatican officially confirmed: Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. (Vatican time) on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

The official announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Apostolic Administrator, via Vatican Media. He rested peacefully at the Casa Santa Marta, where he has lived since becoming Pope in 2013.

Biography and  A Life of Humility 

Pope Francis‘ real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Pope Francis is the first pope from Latin America, and also the first to belong to the Jesuit order.

He was elected Pope on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, marking a new era emphasizing compassion, humility, and social justice.

His legacy

During his 12 years as pope, Pope Francis has been known for his humility, compassion, and progressive reforms. He has called for the Church to be less judgmental, to speak out more forcefully in defense of the poor and refugees, and to promote interfaith dialogue. His environmental encyclical “Laudato Si’” is seen as a landmark, marking the Church’s commitment to combating climate change.

Goodbye, my dear old father

Cause of death

The Pope contracted pneumonia in February and spent five weeks in the hospital with double pneumonia and a respiratory infection. Although he was released in late March, his health remained poor. He died at around 7:30 a.m. on April 21 from a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible cardiac arrest.

Funeral and follow-up plans

Funeral

Scheduled to take place from April 25 to 27, Pope Francis’ body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica for three days, followed by burial in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy.

Heads of state are expected to attend

 Argentine President Javier Milei, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump, along with many other leaders and the Christian Church, major Muslim organizations, will come to pay their respects and condolences on his death.

In many churches and dioceses, memorial masses were held, with millions of people praying for the eternal repose of his soul.

Next Plan

The College of Cardinals will meet in Rome to elect Pope Francis‘ successor from May 6 to 12. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote, with some 135 cardinal electors, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis, taking part in the process.

The final farewell

The passing of Pope Francis is a loss not only to the Catholic Church but to all humanity, to a voice of compassion, a spiritual father in a time of great change.

In more than a decade of his leadership, he inspired hope, healed wounds, and sowed seeds of love that transcended the boundaries of religion, ethnicity, or status.

The world will forever remember his gentle smile, his open heart, and his tireless dedication.

Farewell, Holy Father. May his soul rest in the eternal light of God.