Vatican City — April 21, 2025 — Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died in his residence at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican, where he had lived since the beginning of his papacy.
The Vatican released a statement confirming the Pope’s death at 7:35 a.m. local time. Cardinals, close aides, and medical staff were by his side in his final hours. Just a day earlier, he gave what would become his final Easter blessing from the window of St. Peter’s Basilica, waving gently to the crowd gathered below.
A Pope Like No Other
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history in 2013 when he became the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from Latin America, and the first non-European leader of the Church in over 1,200 years. But it wasn’t just where he came from that set him apart — it was how he led.
From day one, he chose simplicity over ceremony. He turned down the grand papal apartment for a modest guesthouse room. He rode in a small Fiat instead of the armored popemobile. He washed the feet of prisoners and refugees. He greeted the homeless personally. His message was consistent and clear: mercy, humility, and justice.
A Voice for the Poor and the Planet
Pope Francis made headlines not just for his actions but also for his bold words. He spoke out strongly against global inequality, environmental destruction, and the “culture of indifference.” His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ on caring for the planet became a turning point for faith-based climate action.
He advocated for compassion toward migrants, better treatment of prisoners, and care for the elderly and disabled. He pushed the Church to be less judgmental and more welcoming — including support for civil unions for same-sex couples and a softer tone toward divorced Catholics.
A Time of Trials and Reform
His papacy wasn’t without challenges. Pope Francis faced internal resistance as he tried to reform the Vatican’s finances and bureaucracy. His efforts to address the Church’s sexual abuse crisis drew praise and criticism alike — praised for his apologies and gestures, but scrutinized for not moving fast enough on deeper accountability.
Still, he remained one of the most approachable and widely respected popes in modern history, often described as “the people’s pope” or “the world’s parish priest.”
Final Days and Legacy
In the months leading to his death, Pope Francis had faced several health issues, including a severe case of pneumonia that led to a lengthy hospital stay earlier in the year. Despite that, he continued to carry out papal duties and insisted on being present during Holy Week and Easter Mass.
The Vatican has now entered an official period of mourning. His funeral is expected to take place later this week at St. Peter’s Basilica, with dignitaries, world leaders, and millions of faithful expected to attend. A conclave of cardinals will meet in early May to elect a new pope.
Remembering the Man
Pope Francis will be remembered not only for breaking tradition, but for building bridges. He tried to make the Church more human and more present in people’s lives. He challenged the powerful, comforted the forgotten, and spoke in a language everyone could understand — not just Latin or Italian, but the language of love.
His legacy lives on in the millions he inspired around the world to look beyond themselves and serve others.
“To change the world, we must be good to those who cannot repay us.”
— Pope Francis
Rest in peace, Holy Father. The world will not forget you.
Ann1739
April 24, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Very good