Vatican, April 21 — Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in Vatican City.
His death was confirmed by the Vatican, marking the end of a papacy that spanned over a decade and was characterized by significant reforms and a focus on compassion and inclusivity.
Elected in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Francis was the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere.
His papacy was noted for a departure from traditional Vatican opulence, choosing instead a life of simplicity and humility. He resided in a Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace and was often seen engaging directly with the faithful.
Pope Francis’s tenure was marked by efforts to address pressing global issues. He took a firm stance against the death penalty, declaring it inadmissible under all circumstances, and condemned life imprisonment and solitary confinement as inhumane.
His 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, called for urgent action on climate change, criticizing the global economic system for its environmental and social impacts. He also revised Church doctrine to denounce even the possession of nuclear weapons.
In terms of social outreach, Francis made significant strides in fostering inclusivity. He forged historic ties with Muslim leaders and took steps toward the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals, although he maintained traditional Church teachings on homosexuality.
He also enhanced women’s roles in Church governance but upheld the male-only priesthood.
Despite his progressive stances, Francis upheld traditional positions on issues like abortion, celibacy, and contraception. However, he adopted a more pastoral tone, offering spiritual support to women who had abortions and allowing priests to absolve them.
His papacy was not without challenges. He faced criticism for the Church’s handling of clerical sexual abuse scandals, though he enacted reforms to address episcopal accountability.
He also navigated internal Church tensions, particularly from conservative factions resistant to his reforms.
Pope Francis’s health had been a concern in recent years, with surgeries and mobility issues. Nevertheless, he remained active in his duties, continuing to advocate for the marginalized and addressing global crises.
His death initiates a period of mourning in the Vatican and the commencement of the conclave to elect his successor.
As the Church reflects on his legacy, Pope Francis is remembered as a leader who sought to bridge faith and social justice, bringing a message of compassion to the forefront of the Catholic Church.
