Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at age 88 in his residence at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. He served as the 266th pope and was known for his humility, progressive outlook, and dedication to the marginalized. Despite recent health struggles, including a 38-day hospital stay earlier this year, he remained active, even delivering his final Urbi et Orbi Easter blessing just a day before his death. The Vatican confirmed his cause of death as stroke and heart failure.
Catholics worldwide are mourning his passing, with a nine-day period of mourning, Novemdiales, underway. His body, displayed in an open casket, will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica until his funeral on April 26. Honoring his request, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Remembered for his compassion and courage, he leaves a profound legacy in the Catholic Church.
