Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 88.

The Vatican announced that he died at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, following complications from double pneumonia.

His health had been deteriorating since mid-February 2025, when he was hospitalised for bronchitis, which progressed to bilateral pneumonia.

Despite initial signs of improvement and a return to the Vatican after a 38-day hospital stay, his condition worsened due to respiratory crises and related complications, including mild kidney failure and anaemia.​

Pope Francis was last seen in public on Easter Sunday, where he delivered a blessing to crowds in St. Peter’s Square, just one day before his death. His passing marks the end of a historic papacy, as he was the first Latin American, Jesuit, and non-European pope in over a millennium.​

Early Life and Spiritual Journey

Born on December 17, 1936, in Argentina, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was the eldest of five children. His father, Mario, from Italy, worked as a railway accountant, and his mother, Regina, was a homemaker.

Growing up in the working-class neighbourhood of Flores, Bergoglio attended public schools and graduated as a chemical technician.
At the age of 21, he suffered an illness that led to the removal of part of his right lung. This life-changing experience deepened his spiritual calling, and in 1958, he entered the Society of Jesus.​

Ordained as a priest in 1969, Bergoglio rose through the ecclesiastical ranks, becoming the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and a cardinal in 2001. Known for his humility and dedication to the poor, he was elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, choosing the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.​

Inclusion and Social Justice

A commitment to inclusivity, social justice, and environmental stewardship marked Pope Francis’s tenure. He emphasised the importance of mercy, stating, “The Lord never tires of forgiving. It is we who tire of asking for forgiveness.” He advocated for the marginalised, famously expressing, “How I would like a poor church for the poor.” His progressive stance extended to the LGBTQ+ community, where he remarked, “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?

Under his leadership, the Vatican took significant steps toward financial transparency and reform.

He also addressed global issues, such as climate change, urging collective action to protect the environment. His 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, called for a unified international response to environmental degradation.​

Global Tributes and Mourning

The news of Pope Francis’s death prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from around the world.

French President Emmanuel Macron praised him for bringing joy and hope to the poorest and uniting humans with nature. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remembered his friendship and the guidance he had given. King Charles III of the United Kingdom highlighted his compassion and commitment to unity.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded his humility and spiritual courage. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted that his compassion embraced all humanity. The African Union’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf honoured his engagement with Africa and advocacy for the marginalised.

In the United States, Vice President JD Vance, who met with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, expressed his sorrow, stating, “He was very ill.” The Archdiocese of Cincinnati and other Catholic communities across the nation held special masses and prayer services in his memory.​

Messages from the Faithful

Catholic societies and individuals worldwide shared heartfelt messages honouring Pope Francis’s legacy. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati released a statement mourning his death, emphasising his tireless efforts to promote peace and justice.

Online forums and social media platforms were flooded with tributes, with many recalling his teachings on compassion and humility.

One user shared, “The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ, all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone!”​

Final Reflections

Pope Francis’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of millions. His life was a testament to the power of humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication to serving humanity.

As the world mourns his loss, his teachings and legacy continue to inspire and guide people of all faiths toward a more just and compassionate world.​