A Shepherd’s Final Blessing: The Life, Death, and Legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died peacefully at 07:35 CEST in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae within Vatican City. The Vatican announced his death two hours later through Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. While the exact cause remains officially undisclosed, Italian media reports suggest a possible stroke.
Health and Final Days of Pope Francis
Pope Francis had been grappling with health issues in the months leading up to his death. In March 2025, he was hospitalized for five weeks due to a respiratory infection that developed into double pneumonia. Despite his illness, Pope Francis made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday at St. Peter’s Square. Notably, he met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance the day before his passing, a gesture reflective of his enduring commitment to diplomacy and interfaith dialogue.
Global Reactions to the Death of Pope Francis
World leaders and dignitaries have expressed profound sorrow over the death of Pope Francis. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who met with the Pope shortly before his passing, shared his condolences, highlighting the Pope’s influence on millions of Christians worldwide. Former President Joe Biden referred to Pope Francis as “one of the most consequential leaders of our time.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Pope Francis’s commitment to inclusive development and his affection for the people of India. European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Roberta Metsola, praised Pope Francis for his humility and dedication to social justice.
Funeral and Succession of Pope Francis
In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, marking the first time since 1903 that a pope will be interred outside the Vatican. He requested a simplified funeral, opting for a basic wooden coffin without the traditional public viewing on a raised platform. The funeral is expected to take place within four to six days following his death.
The papal interregnum has commenced, leading to a nine-day period of mourning for Pope Francis. The College of Cardinals will convene in a conclave between May 6 and May 11, 2025, to elect the next pope. This pivotal moment will shape the future direction of the Church following the legacy of Pope Francis.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church. His papacy, beginning in 2013, was marked by a focus on humility, inclusivity, and social justice. Pope Francis was known for addressing global issues such as climate change, refugee rights, and the Church’s handling of abuse scandals. His approach earned him the moniker “The People’s Pope,” resonating with both Catholics and non-Catholics worldwide.
Pope Francis’s death signifies the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church. His legacy of compassion, humility, and advocacy for the marginalized will continue to influence the Church and its followers for years to come. The world now reflects on the indelible mark Pope Francis has left on history—a pontiff who led not only with faith, but with fearless humanity.