Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Transformative Era for the Catholic Church Ends

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 due to a stroke and heart failure. He had been battling double pneumonia for several weeks prior to his death. The Vatican confirmed his passing at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, in Vatican City.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013. His papacy was marked by a focus on humility, social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities. He was known for his progressive stance on various issues, including his advocacy for the poor, refugees, and the LGBTQ+ community.

In his final message, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of freedom and peace during times of global conflict. Despite his declining health, he continued to engage with the faithful and delivered blessings up until his last days.

The Vatican has announced that his funeral will take place on April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square. The ceremony will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and is expected to be attended by dignitaries from around the world. Following the funeral, Pope Francis will be buried in a simple wooden coffin at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, as per his wishes.