Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that he passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Monday, April 21, 2025, in his residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae inside Vatican City.
He had been facing serious health problems in recent weeks. Doctors had treated him for double pneumonia and early-stage kidney failure. He was in the hospital for 38 days and was released on March 23. Even after leaving the hospital, he kept a lighter schedule due to his illness.
On Easter Sunday, just one day before his death, Pope Francis surprised many by stepping out to bless crowds from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. He also met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He became pope in 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He was the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas.
His time as pope was known for big changes. He focused on helping the poor, protecting the environment, and supporting people who are often left out of society. In 2015, he wrote an important document called Laudato Si’ that urged people to take care of the planet. He also made headlines by asking, “Who am I to judge?” when speaking about LGBTQ+ people.
Leaders from many countries have shared kind words about Pope Francis. French President Emmanuel Macron called him a “man of humility.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was “an advocate for the weak.” King Charles III and U.S. Vice President JD Vance also expressed sadness over his death.
Now that Pope Francis has died, the Catholic Church will begin a nine-day mourning period known as Novemdiales. His body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, where people can come to pay their respects.
His funeral is expected to take place within the next week. As he requested, he will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
The Church will also begin the process of choosing a new pope. About 135 cardinals under the age of 80 are expected to take part in a vote called a conclave. Names mentioned as possible new popes include Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Matteo Zuppi, Robert Sarah, and Luis Antonio Tagle.
Pope Francis will be remembered as a leader who tried to bring the Church closer to the people. He lived simply, spoke out for justice, and called for action on big issues like poverty and climate change. His death marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church—and the beginning of a new chapter.