What happens when the spiritual leader of over a billion people takes his final breath? The answer is not just about death—it’s about legacy, global mourning, tradition, and the future of the Roman Catholic Church. The world was once again brought to this profound moment in April 2025 when Pope Francis, the first pope from the Americas, passed away. His life was a tapestry of faith, humility, and reform that shook the pillars of one of the world’s oldest institutions.
This article takes you on a heartfelt journey through Pope Francis’s life, death, and legacy while answering popular questions people around the world are asking.
Picture credit: CNN
The Passing of Pope Francis: A Historic Moment
On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis died peacefully at 88 in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, the residence he had chosen over the lavish Apostolic Palace. His death followed a period of declining health due to chronic lung disease, a condition he had lived with since his youth, and a severe bout of double pneumonia that left him hospitalized earlier in the year.
His passing was met with a global outpouring of grief. Bells tolled across cities, flags flew at half-mast, and people worldwide gathered in churches and public squares to honour his memory.
From Buenos Aires to the Vatican: A Journey of Service
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis grew up in a modest home as the son of Italian immigrants. He became a Jesuit priest and later served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, where he earned a reputation for humility and for advocating for the poor.
When Pope Benedict XVI shocked the world by resigning in 2013, a conclave of cardinals chose Bergoglio as the next pontiff. On March 13, 2013, he became the 266th pope, adopting the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi, the saint known for his devotion to the poor and the environment.
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A Papacy Marked by Reform and Compassion
Pope Francis’s papacy was one of the most progressive and transformative in recent history. Here are some of his most impactful contributions:
1. Champion for the Poor
He consistently emphasized a “Church for the poor.” He turned away from luxury and called on global leaders to address poverty and economic inequality.
2. Climate Advocate
In his encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis boldly addressed climate change, urging people to care for “our common home.” He was the first pope to explicitly challenge global leaders on environmental issues.
3. Bridge Builder
Pope Francis made significant efforts to reach out to other religious groups. His visit to Iraq in 2021 and his meetings with Islamic leaders showcased his desire for interfaith unity.
4. Compassionate Approach to Social Issues
He challenged the Church’s stance on several controversial issues, such as LGBTQ+ rights, divorce, and clerical celibacy. While he didn’t change doctrine, he changed tone—opening doors and encouraging discussion.
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Health Battles and Final Moments
Pope Francis has faced various health issues over the years. In 2021, he underwent colon surgery. Later, he experienced problems with his right knee, often appearing in public with a cane or wheelchair. By 2024, his health had visibly deteriorated.
In early 2025, the pope was admitted to a hospital due to respiratory complications. Despite treatments and a brief recovery that allowed him to deliver his final Easter blessing, his condition worsened. On April 21, the Vatican confirmed his peaceful passing.
Global Reactions and Tributes
The world responded with heartfelt tributes. From presidents to parishioners, messages poured in.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres called him “a voice of conscience for our planet.”
- The U.S. President issued a statement praising Francis for his moral leadership.
- Leaders of other faiths, including imams, rabbis, and Buddhist monks, honoured him as a man of peace.
Public gatherings took place in major cities, candlelight vigils were held outside St. Peter’s Basilica, and major news outlets ran tribute documentaries.
The Funeral and Burial
True to his humble nature, Pope Francis requested a modest funeral. The ceremony occurred at St. Peter’s Basilica, with millions watching live across the globe. Heads of state, royalty, and religious leaders attended.
Unlike his predecessors, he chose not to be buried in the traditional crypt beneath the Basilica but instead at Santa Maria Maggiore, a church he loved and often visited. His simple wooden coffin reflected his life’s philosophy: humility over grandeur.
What Happens Next? The Conclave Begins
When a pope dies, the College of Cardinals convenes in a papal conclave to elect a successor. Until a new pope is chosen, the Church is in a period known as “sede vacante” (the seat being vacant).
This conclave is expected to be pivotal in modern times as cardinals choose someone to build on Francis’s legacy or chart a new path.
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A Pope Who Changed the World
Pope Francis’s papacy leaves a Church that is more open, compassionate, and attuned to the modern world. His legacy is etched not just in Church history but in the hearts of millions who found a voice for the voiceless in him.
From his balcony appearance on the day of his election—when he humbly asked the crowd to pray for him—to his final Easter message, Pope Francis remained a shepherd who walked among his flock.
He may be gone, but his spirit endures—in every act of kindness, call for justice, and heart that still believes in the power of compassion.
FAQs
How did Pope Francis die today?
Pope Francis died from complications related to chronic lung disease and double pneumonia. He passed peacefully in the Vatican at the age of 88.
Which pope died suddenly?
Pope John Paul I died unexpectedly in 1978, just 33 days after his election. His sudden death led to many theories, but no foul play was ever confirmed.
How old was Pope Francis when he died?
Pope Francis was 88 years old when he died on April 21, 2025.
Which pope was buried in three coffins?
Pope Benedict XVI was buried in three coffins—a traditional practice that includes a cypress coffin, a zinc coffin, and an outer elm coffin.
Which pope was buried in red shoes?
Popes such as John Paul II and Benedict XVI were buried wearing red shoes, symbolizing the blood of martyrs and the Passion of Christ.
Which pope is mummified?
Pope John XXIII, who died in 1963, was found well-preserved when exhumed in 2000 and is now displayed in a glass coffin in St. Peter’s Basilica.
