Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday
Pope Francis dies at 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. The news came just one day after he made a brief Easter appearance in Vatican City, giving hope he was recovering from illness.
His Final Days and Health Struggles
Francis had been battling serious health issues for months. In March, he spent over five weeks in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital due to double pneumonia. Doctors described two episodes during his stay as “very critical.” Although doctors advised him to rest, he chose to continue limited public duties.
On Holy Thursday, he visited prisoners, although he skipped services on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. On Easter Sunday, he stood on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, waving to crowds while an archbishop delivered the traditional blessing in his place. Less than 24 hours later, he passed away peacefully at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, at 7:35 a.m. local time.
A Transformational Leader
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was elected pope in 2013. He immediately broke with papal tradition by declining the luxurious Apostolic Palace for simpler living quarters and choosing modest vehicles over the standard motorcade.
He became known for his focus on humility, poverty, and reform. Under his leadership, the Vatican saw increased financial transparency, more roles for women in leadership, and a shift in tone on topics like same-sex relationships and climate action. At the same time, he faced criticism for what some saw as a lack of decisive action against sexual abuse scandals and mixed messaging on certain doctrines.
Some defining traits and initiatives of his papacy included:
- Choosing to live in a modest guesthouse instead of the Apostolic Palace
- Promoting interfaith dialogue and defending the rights of migrants and refugees
- Calling for global climate action and care for the environment
- Elevating more women and laypeople to influential positions within the Church
- Prioritizing mercy, inclusion, and social justice in Church teachings and communication
Global Reaction
World leaders, religious figures, and citizens paid tribute:
“He was a good man, worked hard. He loved the world,” said U.S. President Donald Trump.
Archbishop Jorge Garcia Cuerva said:
“He was the pope of the poor and the forgotten”
Argentina and Brazil declared national mourning. In Rome, mourners left flowers and lit candles. Many remembered him not just as a religious leader, but as someone who stood for compassion and inclusion.
Funeral and What Comes Next
Francis requested to be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a break from the tradition of resting in St. Peter’s Basilica. His body may be moved this week so the public can pay their respects. The Vatican is expected to announce funeral details soon, with the ceremony likely to take place between Friday and Sunday.
The College of Cardinals will gather in a conclave to elect his successor. Francis appointed most of the 135 voting cardinals, increasing the chances that his progressive vision will continue.
Francis’s papacy will be remembered for its humility, simplicity, and his effort to reorient the Church toward mercy and justice.
More…
- https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/pope-francis-dies-on-easter-monday-aged-88.html
- https://www.reuters.com/world/pope-francis-has-died-vatican-says-video-statement-2025-04-21/
- https://time.com/7278953/pope-francis-death-global-leaders-reactions-tributes-jd-vance-trump
- https://www.axios.com/2025/04/21/pope-francis-dies-easter-monday-vatican
- https://www.overherehouston.com/trump-vs-harvard-tax-exempt-status-under-fire/
