Pope Francis Dies at 88
Pope Francis Dies at 88, Leaving a Legacy of Compassion and Reform CNN+13Catholic News Agency+13People.com+13
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, following a prolonged illness that included a recent hospitalization for double pneumonia .Business Insider+1CNN+1Wikipedia+8People.com+8Catholic News Agency+8
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. His papacy was marked by efforts to modernize the Catholic Church, emphasizing humility, social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities .Business InsiderCNN
Throughout his tenure, Pope Francis addressed global issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and the plight of refugees. He was also known for his progressive stances on topics like LGBTQ+ rights and the abolition of the death penalty .Business Insider
In his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, he delivered the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from a wheelchair, addressing thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square .
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, officially announced the pope’s death, stating, “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church” .Wikipédia, l’encyclopédie libre+5Vatican News+5Catholic News Agency+5
Tributes have poured in from around the world. King Charles III expressed deep sorrow, recalling Pope Francis’s compassion and dedication to unity. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who met with the pope shortly before his death, praised his moral leadership and commitment to peace .Wikipedia+2People.com+2talkSPORT+2
In Italy, the impact of his passing was felt deeply, with Serie A postponing seven football matches scheduled for the day as a mark of respect .talkSPORT
Pope Francis will be laid to rest in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, honoring his wish for a simple funeral. He will be buried in a plain wooden coffin, foregoing the traditional triple coffin burial, and his body will not be displayed for public viewing .Wikipedia
The Vatican has announced that the papal conclave to elect his successor will commence between May 6 and May 11, 2025, following the traditional mourning period .Wikipedia
Pope Francis’s legacy endures through his efforts to bring the Church closer to the people, advocating for the poor, and addressing contemporary global challenges with compassion and humility.
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