Vatican Announces Passing of Pope Francis
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, the Vatican announced in a video statement. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, delivered the somber news, stating, “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” The pontiff had been recovering from a severe case of double pneumonia, which had hospitalized him for over a month prior to his discharge on March 23.Jorge Mario Bergoglio, elected as Pope Francis on March 13, 2013, was a surprising choice for many, seen as an outsider due to his Argentine roots and focus on the poor. His 12-year papacy was marked by efforts to simplify the grandeur of the papal role, opting to reside in the modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the ornate Apostolic Palace, a decision he attributed to his need for a community setting for his “psychological health.”
On Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, just a day before his passing, Pope Francis made his final public appearance, addressing crowds in St. Peter’s Square with a heartfelt “Happy Easter” message. He delighted worshippers by touring the square in his popemobile, drawing cheers despite his ongoing recovery. Earlier that day, he held a brief private audience with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, exchanging Easter greetings and offering Vance chocolate Easter eggs for his children, along with a Vatican tie and rosaries.
Francis inherited a Church grappling with a child sex abuse scandal and internal Vatican infighting. Elected with a mandate to restore order, he faced challenges from both conservatives, who criticized him for diverging from tradition, and progressives, who urged more sweeping reforms for the 2,000-year-old institution. Despite these tensions, Francis remained a global figure, known for his humility and commitment to social justice.
The Vatican has entered the “sede vacante” period, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell overseeing administrative affairs until a conclave of cardinals convenes in 15 to 20 days to elect the next pope. Mourning rites will last nine days, with funeral arrangements to be determined.
Opinion: The Lasting Legacy of Pope Francis’ Good Deeds
Pope Francis’ papacy was a beacon of hope, compassion, and renewal for the Roman Catholic Church and beyond. His 12-year tenure as the 266th pontiff was defined by a heartfelt commitment to the marginalized, a bold push for inclusivity, and a humble approach that endeared him to millions worldwide. As we reflect on his life, it’s clear that Francis’ good deeds have left an indelible mark on the Church and its global mission.One of Francis’ most profound contributions was his unwavering advocacy for the poor and disenfranchised. From his first moments as pope, when he chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, he signaled a papacy rooted in service to the vulnerable. His tireless defense of migrants, the homeless, and those affected by economic inequality resonated deeply, reminding Catholics and non-Catholics alike of the Church’s call to compassion. His visits to refugee camps, prisons, and impoverished communities across 68 countries brought the Church closer to those it serves, embodying the Gospel’s message of love and solidarity.
Francis also championed interfaith dialogue and peace, fostering connections with Jewish, Muslim, and Orthodox Christian communities. His efforts to strengthen Catholic-Jewish relations, notably through his participation in the 50th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, transformed the Church’s approach to ecumenism, promoting mutual respect and understanding. His global travels, often to conflict zones, underscored his role as a “defender of humanism and justice,” as noted by Russian President Vladimir Putin in a condolence message.
His reforms, though sometimes polarizing, aimed to make the Church more welcoming and relevant in a modern world. By allowing priests to bless same-sex couples on a case-by-case basis and appointing women to leadership roles in the Vatican, Francis opened doors to inclusivity, signaling that the Church could evolve while remaining true to its core teachings. His response to the child sex abuse scandal, including defrocking abusers like former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick and establishing victim aid groups, demonstrated a commitment to accountability and healing, even if progress was gradual.
Francis’ simplicity was perhaps his most endearing trait. Choosing a modest residence over the papal apartments, traveling in a Fiat rather than a limousine, and greeting crowds with warmth and humor, he brought the papacy closer to the people. His moral leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, declaring vaccination a “universal obligation,” exemplified his care for the common good.
While critics from both sides debated his pace of reform, Pope Francis’ legacy is one of courage and kindness. He reminded us that the Church is a living institution, capable of growth and grace. His life was, as Cardinal Farrell said, “dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church,” and his good deeds will continue to inspire Catholics and people of goodwill everywhere.
Pope Francis’ Final Tweets
Pope Francis’ passing marks the end of a transformative era, but his legacy of love, humility, and service will endure, guiding the Church into its next chapter.
