Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 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 Domus Sanctae Marthae within Vatican City. The Vatican confirmed that the cause of death was a cerebral stroke leading to irreversible cardiac arrest .
Prior to his death, Pope Francis had been hospitalized for 38 days at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital due to double pneumonia . Despite his health challenges, he made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, greeting thousands in St. Peter’s Square and delivering a blessing with assistance.
Funeral Arrangements
In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, marking the first time since 1903 that a pope will be interred outside the Vatican . The funeral is expected to take place between April 25 and 27, following traditional Vatican protocols. His body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica to allow the faithful to pay their respects .
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, presided over the initial rites, including the sealing of the papal apartment and the confirmation of death.
Global Reactions
Europe
- Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni mourned the loss of “a great man, a great shepherd,” expressing deep sorrow .
- France: President Emmanuel Macron praised the late pontiff for his enduring solidarity with society’s most vulnerable, highlighting his humility .
- Spain: The country declared three days of mourning, with Justice Minister Félix Bolaños lauding Francis’s reformist papacy.
- Germany: Chancellor Olaf Scholz described Francis as “an advocate for the weak, a reconciling and warm-hearted person” .
- United Kingdom: King Charles expressed being “most deeply saddened,” praising Pope Francis’s compassion and commitment to unity .
Americas
- Argentina: President Javier Milei, despite previous disagreements with the pope, expressed “profound sorrow” over the death of the first Latin American pontiff .
- Brazil: President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva highlighted Francis’s work on climate change and social justice, noting his criticism of economic models causing injustice .
- United States: President Joe Biden called Pope Francis “one of the most consequential leaders of our time,” while former President Donald Trump referred to him as “a good man who loved the world” .
Asia
- India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Pope Francis as “a beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage,” acknowledging his service to the poor and downtrodden .
- Bangladesh: Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus described Pope Francis as “a true friend and kindred spirit,” recalling his profound connection with the pontiff .
- Philippines: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called Francis “the best pope in my lifetime,” praising his humility and compassion for the poor .
Africa
- South Africa: President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that people of all faiths are saddened by the passing of a spiritual leader who sought to unite humanity .
- Egypt: President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi referred to Pope Francis as “a voice of peace, love, and compassion,” acknowledging his efforts in promoting interfaith harmony .
Oceania
- Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Francis as “a devoted champion and loving father” to Catholics, noting that his compassion embraced all humanity .
- New Zealand: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon remembered Francis as “a man of humility” with a legacy of unwavering commitment to the vulnerable and to interfaith dialogue .
International Organizations
- United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres hailed Pope Francis as “a messenger of hope, humility, and humanity,” emphasizing his role as a transcendent voice for peace and human dignity .
- European Union: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Francis inspired millions beyond the Catholic Church with his humility and love for the less fortunate
Legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Francis’s 12-year papacy was marked by efforts to modernize the Catholic Church and address contemporary global issues. He was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over a millennium. Known for his humility, he chose to reside in the modest Domus Sanctae Marthae rather than the Apostolic Palace.
The Information is Collected from CNBC and BBC.
