Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae within Vatican City. The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who stated, "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father."

In February 2025, Pope Francis was hospitalized for bronchitis, which progressed to bilateral pneumonia. Despite these health challenges, he continued his papal duties, including delivering the Easter Sunday "Urbi et Orbi" blessing on April 20, 2025.

Elected in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis was the first pope from Latin America and the Southern Hemisphere. His papacy was marked by a focus on humility, social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities. He was known for his progressive approach to controversial issues such as homosexuality, divorce, and the inclusion of women in church leadership. Although he preserved traditional doctrine, he fostered a more compassionate tone, famously stating, “Who am I to judge?” regarding gay individuals. His commitment to environmental causes was notably expressed through his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si on climate change.

Pope Francis also addressed the Catholic Church’s child sexual abuse scandals, making historic reforms like defrocking a cardinal and promoting transparency. An advocate for interfaith dialogue, he became the first pope to visit Iraq and the Arab Gulf. With his modest lifestyle and use of social media, Francis was dubbed the “world’s parish priest,” cherished for making Catholicism more accessible and humane.

In November 2024, Pope Francis modified papal funeral rites to reflect his preference for simplicity, requesting a burial in a simple wooden casket and choosing to be interred at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, rather than in the Vatican.

Following his death, the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning and transition. The College of Cardinals is expected to convene to begin the process of selecting a new pope. According to Church law, the 2025 papal conclave is expected to begin between 6 and 11 May 2025, roughly 15 to 20 days after the papacy became vacant, but may begin earlier if all cardinal electors have arrived in Rome.

World leaders and religious figures have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Pope Francis's legacy. King Charles III of the United Kingdom and Queen Camilla expressed "heavy hearts" and praised Francis's "compassion" and "tireless commitment" to people of faith. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described him as "a Pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten." The Union Flag was flown at half-mast on royal residences and government buildings as a sign of respect.

In Boston, Archbishop Richard G. Henning praised the Pope for encouraging compassion, humility, and care for others and the environment. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey highlighted his efforts to make the Catholic Church more inclusive.

Pope Francis's death marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church. His emphasis on social justice, environmental stewardship, and inclusivity has left a profound impact on both the Church and global society. The upcoming conclave will not only select a new pope but also determine the future direction of the Church, potentially influencing its stance on various social and moral issues.