By Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Humble Shepherd Returns to the Father
Pope Francis, the 266th Bishop of Rome and the first pontiff from Latin America, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The announcement was made at 9:45 a.m. from the Casa Santa Marta by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow 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. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis was elected as the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. A member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), he became the first pope from the Americas and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years.
On Easter Sunday, April 20, just one day before his passing, Pope Francis made his final public appearance by giving the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. It was a poignant moment of peace and prayer witnessed by thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square and millions watching worldwide.
In line with his long-standing emphasis on simplicity and humility, Pope Francis had earlier issued directives to simplify papal funeral rites. These changes included shorter ceremonies and liturgies more focused on prayer than pageantry—reflecting his vision of a Church that is close to the people and stripped of excess.
Consistent with this humility, Pope Francis also expressed his wish to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, rather than the traditional burial site under St. Peter’s Basilica. The Marian basilica held deep personal significance for the Holy Father, who would often visit the icon of Salus Populi Romani to pray before and after his apostolic journeys.
The Vatican has initiated the traditional novemdiales, a nine-day mourning period, during which funeral rites and Masses will be held. The College of Cardinals is expected to convene in early May to begin the conclave process to elect a new pope.
World leaders and religious figures have expressed deep sorrow and admiration. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who met with Pope Francis just a day before his passing, called him “a beacon of peace and truth.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described him as “a man of humility, always on the side of the vulnerable.”
Pope Francis’s papacy was defined by his compassion for the marginalized, bold calls for ecological and economic justice, and tireless work to renew the Catholic Church’s mission in a complex world. His death marks the end of a transformative and deeply human era in the history of the Church.
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