The world is mourning the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. His death was confirmed by Vatican News and marks the end of a historic and impactful papacy that began in 2013.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first Jesuit pope, the first from Latin America, and the first non-European to lead the Catholic Church in over a millennium. His election brought a new tone to the papacy—marked by compassion, humility, and a deep commitment to social and environmental justice.
During his time as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis became a moral voice in global conversations, consistently advocating for peace, inclusion, and care for the poor and vulnerable. He called for unity across religious divides and made groundbreaking efforts to modernize and reform the Church’s role in the contemporary world.
Pope Francis also pushed for urgent global action on climate change, famously releasing the encyclical Laudato Si’ that urged humanity to take better care of the planet. He stood firm on issues of migration, poverty, and economic inequality, often placing the Church on the side of the oppressed.
His choice to live in a modest guesthouse instead of the traditional papal palace, and his simple lifestyle, earned him admiration from both Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
As news of his passing spreads, tributes have flooded in from around the world, celebrating his legacy as a transformative and beloved leader. Funeral arrangements are expected to follow in the coming days, with millions likely to join in mourning the man who reshaped the image of the modern papacy.
