Pope Francis has died in Vatican City at the age of 88. His passing was confirmed by the Vatican on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013, becoming the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to lead the Church.
He passed away at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, his residence inside Vatican City, where he had been living since the beginning of his papacy. In recent months, his health had shown signs of decline, though he remained active and participated in Holy Week services earlier this month.
During his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis was known for his commitment to social justice, outreach to the poor, interfaith dialogue, and efforts to reform the Church’s administration and approach to modern issues. He was also outspoken on climate change, global inequality, and the need for mercy and compassion in pastoral care.
The Vatican has not yet released details about the funeral arrangements or the timeline for the conclave to elect the next pope.
Flags are being lowered to half-mast at Catholic institutions around the world, and tributes have begun pouring in from global leaders and religious figures.
