The world is mourning the death of Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 88. The Vatican confirmed that the pontiff passed peacefully at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City following complications from a stroke and heart failure.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected to the papacy on March 13, 2013, becoming the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas. His tenure was characterized by a commitment to humility, social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities. He was known for his efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy, address the clergy sexual abuse crisis, and promote interfaith dialogue.
Pope Francis’s approach to leadership emphasized inclusivity and compassion. He often spoke out on climate change, economic inequality, and the plight of refugees, urging the global community to act with empathy and responsibility. His encyclical “Laudato Si’” called for environmental stewardship, and he was a vocal advocate for the poor and disenfranchised.
Leaders and people worldwide have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Pope Francis’s legacy. U.S. President Joe Biden described him as “a transformative leader dedicated to the poor, global equity, and environmental protection,” referring to him as “The People’s Pope”. Former President Barack Obama remembered him as “a rare leader who made us want to be better people.”
Religious leaders also honored his memory. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York called him “an eloquent preacher” and “a wonderful steward,” while Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, highlighted his outreach to those on the margins of the Church and society .
In Italy, the impact of his death was felt deeply. Serie A football matches were postponed in mourning, and clubs issued statements recognizing his support for solidarity and the role of sports in promoting brotherhood.
Despite his declining health, Pope Francis continued to engage with the public. He made a final appearance on Easter Sunday, delivering the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. He also met with U.S. Vice-President JD Vance the day before his death .
“Today, I join Canadians and Catholics around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote in an official statement released Monday. “Through his teachings and actions, Pope Francis redefined the moral responsibilities of leadership in the 21st century.”
Carney described the pontiff as a guiding figure for sustainable and just economic leadership. He also acknowledged the Pope’s 2022 apology to Indigenous Peoples during his penitential pilgrimage to Canada as a pivotal moment in the country’s reconciliation journey.
“He extended his papacy to the furthest margins,” Carney said, “always attentive to the poor and most vulnerable, as in all aspects of his lifelong service.”
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also issued a statement on X, expressing “deepest condolences to all Catholics.”
“His humility, compassion, and steadfast faith had a profound impact on millions of Canadians and others around the world,” Poilievre wrote. “We remember especially his historic penitential pilgrimage to Canada, when he sought to begin a process of Reconciliation by the Church.”
The two leaders, typically at odds politically, offered a rare moment of unity in their admiration for Pope Francis’s legacy of spiritual leadership and advocacy for the poor.
In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will have a simplified funeral. He requested a basic wooden coffin and will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, becoming the first pope to be interred outside the Vatican since Pope Leo XIII in 1903 . The funeral is expected to take place within six days of his passing, with dignitaries from around the world, including Argentine President Javier Milei and U.S. President Donald Trump, planning to attend.
With the papal seat now vacant, preparations are underway for the conclave to elect the next pope. According to Church law, the conclave must begin between 15 and 20 days after the papacy becomes vacant, placing the anticipated start between May 6 and May 11, 2025 .
Pope Francis’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in the Catholic Church’s history. His emphasis on humility, social justice, and global outreach has left an indelible mark on the Church and the world. As the Church prepares to choose his successor, the faithful reflect on his teachings and the path forward.