JUST IN: Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday, Marking the End of a Historic Papacy
Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and the first pope from the Americas, died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He passed away peacefully at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, according to an official statement from the Holy See.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” announced Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
The Argentine-born pontiff, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had battled various health issues in recent years, including chronic lung disease and a severe bout of pneumonia that led to several hospitalizations. His health had noticeably declined in the months leading up to his death.
Elected in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first from Latin America, and the first non-European to hold the position in over 1,200 years. His papacy was marked by a progressive approach to Church doctrine, a strong focus on climate change, and an unwavering commitment to the poor and marginalized.
Global leaders and religious communities are mourning the loss of a pope often described as a reformer, a peacemaker, and a voice of compassion in turbulent times.
Preparations are now underway for a papal conclave, during which cardinals from around the world will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope.
