Pope Francis Dies at 88: First Latin American Pontiff Leaves Legacy of Reform and Compassion
Pope Francis held the position as the 266th pontiff and first Latin American pope until his passing on Easter Monday April 21 2025 when he reached the age of 88 years. Local time at 7:35 a.m. marked his death in his Vatican residence at Casa Santa Marta while he experienced health complications after double pneumonia and kidney failure this year. Jorge Mario Bergoglio entered papacy as Pope Francis on March 13, 2013 after succeeding Pope Benedict XVI while holding Argentine heritage. Social justice along with humility and inclusivity defined his entire papacy as head of the Vatican. Throughout his leadership Pope Francis gained recognition for his focused solutions of major global concerns including climate change and economic disparities and migrations of people.
Through his papacy Pope Francis dedicated himself to Church reform by tackling church scandals and by speaking up for oppressed communities. As part of his progressive agenda he advocated for same-sex civil unions while campaigning for death penalty elimination as an institutional practice. He delivered his last Easter blessing to the world from a wheelchair position at the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica the day before his death while persisting in spiritual responsibilities despite his weakening health condition. Dependable leaders and followers throughout the world have shared thoughts of sympathy. King Charles and Queen Camilla conveyed their mourning as they emphasized how Pope Francis demonstrated both compassion and dedication towards bringing people together.
After his passing the Vatican started the conventional procedures to drive the election of a new pope. Cardinal Kevin Farrell started the "sede vacante" phase as the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church to organize the papal conclave procedures. The funeral arrangements for Pope Francis move forward according to his simple preferences. Pope Francis' burial will happen at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome thus becoming the first pope in more than a century to have their resting place outside of Vatican City. Millions worldwide will keep being inspired by Pope Francis' mourning legacy that includes his compassionate service and humble disposition alongside his work defending marginalized people.