Pope Francis Dies at 88, Leaving a Legacy of Compassion and Reform

By: Wise News Network Staff

Vatican City (WNN)- Pope Francis, the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church, died Monday morning, April 21st, 2025, at the age of 88. He passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on the second floor of Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican guesthouse where he had lived since becoming pope in 2013, according to the Vatican press office.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell is overseeing Church operations during this transitional period. He released the official announcement of the pope’s death. While the exact cause of death has yet to be confirmed, it has been widely speculated to be related to his recent battle with pneumonia.

Update: As of Monday afternoon, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis has died of a stroke, which led to a coma and ultimately “irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse”.

A Humble Leader with a Heart for the People

Pope Francis, whose birth name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Francis officially became pope on March 13th, 2013, and served 12 years as the head of the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis was known around the world for his focus on kindness, helping the poor, and speaking on important issues such as climate change and equality. He often spoke about welcoming people from all walks of life, including immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community.

As Pope, he also worked to address the Church’s history of sexual abuse and called for greater responsibility and transparency with Church leadership.

Health Challenges in His Final Weeks

In March of 2025, Pope Francis was hospitalized for a serious case of double pneumonia, which required a five-week stay at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. His condition was urgent enough that doctors considered ending his treatment to allow him to die peacefully. Despite this, he made a miraculous recovery and returned to the Vatican on March 23rd. However, his doctors prescribed two months of rest and respiratory therapy to aid his healing.

As Easter approached, Pope Francis made many public appearances, signaling his gradual return to public life. On April 6th, he appeared in St. Peter’s Square in a wheelchair, getting crowds and expressing his gratitude, although he required supplemental oxygen. He also went to visit a Rome prison on Holy Thursday, spending time with inmates, which showed his dedication to support marginalized communities.

On Easter Sunday, April 20th, Pope Francis made a short appearance to deliver the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. His voice was noticeably stronger as he smiled and greeted the crowd of over 35,000 people. He also gave a surprise tour of St. Peter’s Square in his popemobile, delighting everyone with his presence.

Despite his declining health, Pope Francis remained active in his role, meeting with visitors and preparing for upcoming religious events. His final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, ultimately delivering what would be his last Easter address.

Tributes from Around the World

News of Pope Francis’s death sparked a wave of tributes and condolences from global leaders, religious leaders, and communities across the globe. U.S Vice President J.D. Vance, who had met the pope a day earlier, said Francis seemed “Obviously very ill” but was still gracious and kind.

US President Donald Trump shared images of their past meetings, paying respects. In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Francis as “a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten,” and King Charles and Queen Camilla said they were “saddened” to hear of his death and attributed his compassion.

French President Emmanuel Macron commended the pope’s lifelong efforts to uplift the poor and protect the planet. In Poland, President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk honored his humility and deep humanity.

Russian President Vladimir Putin noted Francis’s role in fostering interfaith dialogue, especially with the Orthodox Church, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the pope had a rare ability to give hope and promote unity during difficult times.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described his death as “deeply saddening,” calling him a great man and shepherd who offered guidance in times of suffering. Leaders from Brazil, Egypt, and Spain, along with the United Nations and the Commonwealth, also extended condolences, underscoring Pope Francis’s legacy as a global figure of peace, humility, and justice.

Burial Plans and Funeral Services

Pope Francis had expressed a desire for a simple and humble funeral, reflecting his devotion to modesty and pastoral care. He chose not to use the traditional three-coffin system —cypress, lead, and oak—and requested one zinc-lined wooden coffin instead. Breaking with tradition, his body will stay in the coffin with the lid open so that individuals can pay their respects without the pope being displayed on a raised platform as has been the case with past popes.

In accordance with his wish, Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, not within the Vatican. This is the first time in over a hundred years that a pope is to be buried beyond Vatican borders; the last to be so was Pope Leo XIII, who passed away in 1903. The basilica holds particular significance for Pope Francis, as he visited it frequently to pray before the “Salus Populi Romani” icon, a revered image of the Virgin Mary.

Funeral proceedings will be led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. The ceremony will comply to the revised papal funeral ritual introduced by Pope Francis. These changes aim to show Pope Francis’s funeral as one for a pastor and follower of Christ. They focus on keeping it simple and dignified rather than presenting him as a powerful figure in the world.

After the funeral, the Catholic Church will enter a nine-day mourning period known as the “Novemdiales.” Afterwards, a papal conclave will be convened to elect a new pope, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church.

What Happens Next: Choosing a New Pope

Now that Pope Francis has passed, the Catholic Church is now in a period known as sede vacante, meaning the pope’s spot is vacant. During this time, the cardinals will take charge and will be working to elect a new pope. This all kicks off with a gathering called a papal conclave, which has to happen within 15 to 20 days after the pope dies. This window allows the cardinals under 80 years old to make their way to Rome.

The cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel to vote secretly. It will take a two-thirds majority vote to choose the new pope. Once a new pope is chosen, he will appear on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, and the famous words “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”) will be announced. He will then give his first blessing to the people.

Until the new pope is chosen, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is in charge of the Vatican during this time, will manage the Church’s daily activities and make sure everything is ready for the meeting and the pope’s funeral.

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