Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that he died at 7:35 AM CEST on Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, Vatican City. His death was formally announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, in a televised statement just over two hours later.
Though an official cause of death has not been released, Pope Francis had recently been hospitalized for double pneumonia and a respiratory infection. Reports from Italian media suggest a stroke may have contributed to his passing.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas, breaking a European tradition that spanned more than a millennium. He was elected pope on March 13, 2013, and quickly became known for his humility, progressive stance on social issues, and dedication to environmental and economic justice.
Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, delivering a message of peace and unity to thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square.
Tributes have poured in from leaders around the world, including President Joe Biden, King Charles III, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Dalai Lama. Many praised his compassion and commitment to reform within the Church.
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica beginning Wednesday, with details of the funeral and burial—expected to take place at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore—still to be confirmed.
A papal conclave to elect his successor is expected to begin between May 6 and May 11. In Italy, national mourning is underway, with events including Serie A football matches postponed in his honor.