Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a globally admired religious figure, has passed away at the age of 88. He died on April 21, 2025, in the Domus Sanctae Marthae residence at the Vatican. According to Vatican officials, his death was caused by a stroke following complications related to his recent bout with pneumonia.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history when he was elected in 2013 as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He became the first Jesuit to hold the papacy and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. His leadership was marked by humility, compassion, and a strong emphasis on social justice.
A day before his passing, Pope Francis offered his final public message during Easter celebrations on April 20, 2025. Due to his fragile condition, the message was delivered by Archbishop Diego Ravelli as the Pope watched from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. His words centered on the enduring power of hope through Christ’s resurrection, stating that true hope never fails. He encouraged global solidarity, urging people to trust one another regardless of background or belief. He also spoke out against the surge in antisemitism and highlighted the urgent need for peace in areas like Gaza and Ukraine. In a personal spiritual note released after his death, Pope Francis dedicated his final suffering to God, offering it for peace and unity among all people. Staying true to his lifelong humility, he requested to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore instead of the traditional papal tomb. His final message was a heartfelt reminder of the compassion and unity he worked tirelessly to spread throughout his papacy.