Pope Francis Dies at 88

​Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died at 7:35 a.m. CEST in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae within Vatican City. The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, during a broadcast by Vatican Media. 

The exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed. However, Pope Francis had recently recovered from a serious respiratory illness, including double pneumonia, which required a 28-day hospitalization at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Unofficial reports suggest that a stroke may have been a contributing factor .​

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy, beginning his tenure on March 13, 2013. His papacy was marked by a focus on humility, social justice, environmental stewardship, and efforts to address issues such as poverty, climate change, and interfaith dialogue .​

Funeral arrangements are expected to follow traditional Vatican protocols. Pope Francis had expressed a wish to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome . The College of Cardinals will convene a conclave to elect his successor, with the earliest possible date for the conclave being May 6, 2025.​

The global community has begun mourning his loss, with tributes pouring in from religious and political leaders worldwide, acknowledging his contributions to the Church and his advocacy for compassion and inclusivity.

 

 

 

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