The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, a somber moment that has left the global Catholic community and world leaders in mourning. The 88-year-old pontiff, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, succumbed to a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, according to an official statement from the Vatican. His passing marks the end of a transformative papacy defined by humility, compassion, and a relentless push for reform within the Catholic Church. As tributes pour in from every corner of the globe, the Vatican has begun a meticulously orchestrated series of rituals to honor the late pope while preparing for the election of his successor.
On Easter Sunday, just one day before his death, Pope Francis made a poignant final public appearance. Too frail to preside over the Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square, he delegated the service to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica. Yet, in a testament to his enduring commitment to his flock, Francis appeared briefly at the conclusion of the Mass to deliver his “Urbi et Orbi” address, a traditional papal blessing offered to the city of Rome and the world. His words, read aloud by an aide due to his weakened condition, carried a message of hope and unity, resonating deeply with the thousands gathered in the square and millions watching worldwide. Few could have anticipated that this would be his final act as pope.
In the immediate aftermath of his passing, the Vatican initiated its first public act of mourning with a Rosary prayer service held at sunset in St. Peter’s Square. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, led the solemn gathering, which drew thousands of faithful who came to pray and reflect on Francis’ legacy. A particularly moving moment came during the first reading, delivered by Sister Raffaella Petrini, Secretary General of the Governorate of the Vatican City State. As one of the highest-ranking women in Vatican leadership, her presence underscored Francis’ groundbreaking efforts to elevate women’s roles within the Church’s traditionally male-dominated hierarchy. The service was a fitting tribute to a pope who championed inclusivity and sought to bridge divides.
World leaders have joined the faithful in honoring Francis’ memory. At the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke warmly of the late pope, describing him as “a very good man who loved the world.” Similar sentiments echoed from leaders across Europe, Latin America, and beyond, reflecting Francis’ universal appeal. His papacy, which began in 2013 as the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, was marked by a profound commitment to the marginalized. He consistently advocated for the poor, refugees, and the environment, while challenging the Church to confront issues like clericalism and institutional rigidity.
Francis’ approach to leadership was revolutionary. He eschewed the grandeur of the Apostolic Palace, choosing instead to live in a modest suite in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. His decision to forgo traditional papal pomp extended to his funeral plans, which he revised in 2024 to emphasize simplicity and his role as a “mere bishop” rather than a worldly monarch. Unlike his predecessors, Francis requested burial outside the Vatican, at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, a site he cherished for its spiritual significance. His body is expected to be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica as early as Wednesday, April 23, to lie in state for mourners to pay their respects. The funeral, anticipated to take place between the fourth and sixth day after his death, will be presided over by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, or another senior cardinal.
The Vatican now enters a period known as the “novemdiales,” a nine-day mourning ritual rooted in ancient Roman tradition. During this time, the College of Cardinals will convene daily to discuss the Church’s future and prepare for the conclave, the secretive gathering where a new pope will be elected. The conclave, expected to begin between 15 and 20 days after Francis’ death, will see up to 120 cardinal electors—those under the age of 80—sealed inside the Sistine Chapel to cast their ballots. The process, governed by the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, continues until a candidate secures a two-thirds-plus-one majority, signaled to the world by white smoke rising from the chapel’s chimney.
As the Catholic Church navigates this transition, Francis’ legacy looms large. His efforts to foster dialogue, empower the laity, and address contemporary challenges like climate change and social inequality have left an indelible mark. While his progressive tone sparked both admiration and controversy, his unwavering focus on mercy and service resonated widely. The coming days will bring further details on the funeral and conclave, but for now, the world pauses to honor a pope whose life was dedicated to compassion and reform. The Vatican’s flags fly at half-staff, and the bronze doors of St. Peter’s Basilica remain closed, a silent testament to the profound loss felt by millions.