Is Pope Francis still alive? This simple question, often sparked by online rumours or news confusion, holds deep significance for millions of Catholics and followers of global religious affairs. In today’s fast-moving digital world, misinformation can spread rapidly, especially about prominent global figures like Pope Francis. The Pope is the spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics and a symbol of moral authority, peace, and compassion for people worldwide. So when questions about his health or status arise, they are met with widespread concern and curiosity.
In this detailed article, we’ll answer whether Pope Francis is still alive and dive deep into his life, background, papal journey, challenges, accomplishments, and recent public appearances. We’ll also explore why the question arises so frequently and how to verify such news accurately in the age of viral misinformation.
Picture credit: NPR
Who is Pope Francis?
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, made history when he was elected the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013. He is the first Pope from the Americas, Jesuit Pope, and non-European to lead the Church in over a thousand years.
Before his papacy, Pope Francis served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires and was well known for his humility, simplicity, and dedication to social justice. He lived in a small apartment, took public transportation, and was frequently seen in the streets talking to the poor and marginalized.
Is Pope Francis Still Alive in 2025?
Pope Francis is still alive as of the latest verified information in April 2025. Although he has faced several health challenges in recent years, including hospitalizations and mobility issues, the Holy Father continues to carry out his papal duties. He has participated in public Masses, met with world leaders, and released papal documents as recently as this year.
The Vatican, known for being transparent about the Pope’s health and schedule, has not issued any statement announcing his death. On the contrary, he has been seen attending Holy Week services, addressing global issues such as climate change and migration, and even planning apostolic visits.
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Why Do People Keep Asking If Pope Francis Is Still Alive?
There are several reasons why this question keeps popping up:
- Health Concerns and Hospital Visits
- Pope Francis has had a few notable health concerns in the past few years. These include colon surgery in 2021, recurring knee problems that have required the use of a wheelchair, and regular hospital visits. Every time he is hospitalized or cancels events, rumours start to swirl on social media, sparking questions about his status.
- Advanced Age
- At 88 years old, Pope Francis is among the oldest Popes in history. His age makes people speculate about his health and longevity, especially in a world with a much shorter average lifespan.
- Fake News and Misinformation
- With the rise of social media, false news reports can spread rapidly. Numerous fake news headlines in recent years have claimed that Pope Francis has passed away. These are often generated by clickbait websites or social media trolls aiming to stir up confusion or generate traffic.
- Death of Other Religious Leaders
- Sometimes, when other popes or religious figures pass away, confusion arises. For instance, when Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died in December 2022, many mistakenly thought the news referred to Pope Francis.
How Pope Francis Has Managed His Health
Pope Francis is open about his health struggles and limitations. Despite being in a wheelchair or using a cane for mobility, he continues to deliver sermons, meet with pilgrims, and participate in Vatican life. He has adapted his schedule to include rest periods, shorter travel plans, and delegation of responsibilities when needed.
In an interview, the Pope stated, “You don’t govern with your legs; you govern with your head,” signalling his determination to continue serving despite physical limitations. His transparency has made him more relatable to many, especially elderly Catholics and those with disabilities.
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Major Milestones in Pope Francis’ Papacy
To understand the significance of Pope Francis’ life and why so many care about his well-being, let’s highlight some of the milestones he has achieved as Pontiff:
1. Focus on Mercy and Compassion
From the beginning of his papacy, Pope Francis emphasized mercy, compassion, and inclusion. He declared 2015–2016 the Year of Mercy, encouraging Catholics to be more forgiving and understanding.
2. Care for the Poor and Marginalized
He has consistently highlighted the plight of the poor, homeless, and refugees. His famous quote, “How I would like a Church that is poor and for the poor!” sums up his mission.
3. Climate Advocacy
In 2015, he released the encyclical Laudato si’, urging the world to take immediate action against climate change. He called it a moral issue, not just an environmental one.
4. Dialogue with Other Faiths
Pope Francis has made history by strengthening ties with other religious leaders. In 2019, he signed a joint declaration with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar promoting peace and coexistence between Muslims and Christians.
5. Church Reforms
The Pope has worked tirelessly to make the Church more transparent and accountable. This includes reforms in Vatican finances, more decisive action against sexual abuse, and efforts to include more voices in decision-making—especially women and laypeople.
Recent Activities of Pope Francis (2024–2025)
Let’s take a look at what Pope Francis has been up to recently:
- March 2024: Participated in Lenten services and delivered his Ash Wednesday homily at St. Peter’s Basilica.
- December 2024: Led the Christmas Eve Mass and delivered the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
- January 2025: Met with diplomats worldwide, addressing the global need for peace and unity.
- April 2025: Celebrated Easter Sunday Mass and spoke about hope in times of global instability.
These events confirm his ongoing engagement and ability to fulfil many of his papal duties, albeit in a modified and more manageable form.
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What Happens When a Pope Dies?
Given the curiosity around Pope Francis’ health, many also wonder what happens when a Pope dies.
Here’s a brief outline of the process:
- Official Confirmation: The Pope’s death is confirmed by the Camerlengo, a cardinal appointed to administer the Church between popes.
- Announcement to the Public: The Vatican issues an official statement.
- Nine Days of Mourning (Novemdiales): A series of special Masses and rituals occur.
- Conclave to Elect a New Pope: Within 15–20 days, the College of Cardinals convenes to elect a new Pope in a secret ballot process held in the Sistine Chapel.
- White Smoke and Public Reveal: When a new Pope is chosen, white smoke rises from the chapel, and the new Pope is introduced with the words “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a Pope!”).
How to Verify News About Pope Francis
To avoid falling for fake news about Pope Francis or any other global figure, here are a few tips:
- Check Official Sources: Always refer to the Vatican News website or @Pontifex (the Pope’s official Twitter/X handle).
- Trusted News Outlets: Follow updates from established news agencies like BBC, CNN, Reuters, or Catholic News Agency.
- Look for Multiple Reports: If only one sketchy website reports the news, it’s likely false. Legitimate news spreads across various platforms.
- Beware of Clickbait: Headlines designed to shock or scare you often lack credibility.
Conclusion
So, is Pope Francis still alive? Yes, he is. At 88 years old, Pope Francis continues to lead the Catholic Church with humility, wisdom, and compassion. His physical limitations have not stopped him from being a beacon of hope and moral clarity in a complicated world.
As the world evolves and the Catholic Church faces modern challenges, Pope Francis remains a central figure, advocating for unity, love, and human dignity. While his health may slow him down, his spirit, influence, and commitment to service remain as strong as ever.
In an era full of uncertainty, Pope Francis stands as a living legacy—a reminder that leadership is not just about power or perfection but also about presence, perseverance, and purpose.
