Pope Francis, first Latin American pope, dies at 88

On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis, the inaugural Latin American pontiff and a pivotal figure in the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at his home in the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae at age 88. His death, announced by Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell, marked the end of a 12-year papacy that reshaped the direction of the church by focusing on humility, inclusiveness and social justice.

Francis had suffered a brain stroke that left him in a coma and a heart attack, most recently after being hospitalized for five weeks for double pneumonia and respiratory complications. His passing has sparked a period of mourning and the complicated process of choosing his successor while the world considers his lasting legacy.

Elected in March 2013 after the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, he inherited a church struggling with clergy sex abuse scandals, declining attendance and internal dysfunction. Francis adopted a pastoral and humble style, preferring to live in the modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the opulent Apostolic Palace and often speaking candidly on issues such as poverty, migration and climate change.

Throughout his papacy, Francis has attempted to move the church toward greater inclusivity. He emphasized mercy over doctrinal rigor, appointed various bishops who shared his outlook and opened discussions on once taboo topics. His approval of blessings for gay couples while declaring homosexuality a sin and calling on the church to welcome LGBTQ individuals have been the subject of both praise and criticism. Francis also spoke on global issues, denouncing consumerism, advocating environmental action and appealing for peace in conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict.

His interfaith efforts, including a historic trip to Abu Dhabi in 2019 and meetings with Muslim leaders, underscored his commitment to dialogue. Having had part of a lung removed in his youth, he suffered chronic respiratory problems, exacerbated by bronchitis and pneumonia in early 2025. During a 38-day hospital stay in February and March, he was weakened by mechanical ventilation and kidney problems, though he continued to make public appearances, including a poignant Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Square on April 20, 2025.

His final diplomatic encounter was a brief meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, highlighting his enduring dedication to global outreach despite physical limitations. The announcement of his death by Cardinal Farrell at 9:45 a.m. on April 21 brought a flood of tributes. World leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Russian President Vladimir Putin, praised Francis’ compassion and moral clarity.

However, his progressive reforms were criticized by conservative Catholics, who accused him of weakening church teachings, and his handling of sex abuse scandals fell short of some advocates’ expectations of transparency. Francis’ death begins a period known as the sede vacante, during which Cardinal Farrell oversees Vatican administration until a new pope is elected.

In accordance with his wishes, Francis will be buried in a simple tomb in Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica rather than St. Peter’s, reflecting his humility. The upcoming conclave, expected between May 6 and 11, 2025, will see cardinals, about 80% of whom were appointed by Francis, select his successor, who will likely continue his progressive legacy. As the church undergoes this transformation, Francis’ vision of a “poor church for the poor” remains a guiding light for millions.