Pope Francis Dies at 88, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Change

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, following a long hospitalization, the Vatican announced. The news was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who expressed the sorrow of the Church in a statement released shortly after 9:52 a.m. local time.

“With deep sadness, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Farrell said. “At 7:35 this morning, he returned to the house of the Father. His life was dedicated to serving the Lord and His Church.”

Pope Francis had been experiencing serious health issues, having battled a severe pneumonia that required a 37-day hospitalization, which began on February 14. He made a final public appearance on April 20 in St. Peter’s Square, where he delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing, despite noticeably struggling to speak.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Francis made history in 2013 as the first Latin American and Jesuit pope. His papacy was marked by a focus on social justice, climate action, and modernizing the Church’s approach to contemporary issues.

Throughout his 11-year tenure, Francis sought to prioritize the marginalized and promote an inclusive Church. His motto, ‘Miserando atque eligendo,’ which translates to ‘He saw with mercy and chose,’ encapsulated his compassionate approach. He lived in the modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the traditional Apostolic Palace, advocating for a “poor Church for the poor.”

Among his significant contributions were the encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ addressing climate change, and his calls for reform within the Vatican, including increased transparency regarding clerical abuses. However, these progressive stances also drew criticism and resistance, highlighting the divide within the Church.

As his health deteriorated in recent months, the Pope managed to keep in touch with the faithful, signing documents and sending messages, despite being limited in his public engagement. His enduring influence resonated through social media, where many mourned his loss, characterizing him as a social reformer who brought the Church closer to the peripheries of society.

In the wake of his passing, the Vatican enters a period of interregnum, with Cardinal Farrell overseeing administrative duties until a new pope is elected. According to the Code of Canon Law, a conclave to choose Francis’s successor must occur within 15 to 20 days, gathering cardinals under the age of 80.

The selection of the next pontiff represents a critical juncture for the Catholic Church, as it faces challenges including secularism, ongoing internal divisions, and the need for continued reform. Some analysts suggest the new pope may emerge from a non-European background, reflecting the changing demographics of global Catholicism.

Pope Francis leaves a profound legacy as a leader who challenged established norms and emphasized mercy, justice, and care for creation. His teachings will continue to inspire millions worldwide as the Church prepares for a new chapter.