Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, will forever be recorded in the past of the Catholic Church. That day at 7:35 p.m. in his Vatican residence, the home of Santa Marta, Pope Francis died. He was 88. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the first Pope from South America, left after a long fight against disease, leaving behind the legacy of openness, humility and concern for the poorest.
Last moments of pontificate: faithful to the end
Pope Francis remained faithful to his servant until the last days. Despite his deteriorating health, he attended key ceremonies on Week 2025. On Holy Thursday, according to tradition, he visited the prison to show solidarity with the prisoners. On the large Saturday and Sunday of Resurrection, he presided over the celebrations, bearing witness to the steadfast religion and devotion to the faithful.
Combating Disease: The Last Months of Life
The wellness of Pope Francis has been worrying for years. In February 2025, he went to the Roman Gemella Polyclinic due to severe bronchitis. A fewer days later, he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. This was not the first time his body was struggling with infections – in late March 2023 he was besides hospitalized due to problems with advanced airways. In July 2021, he underwent a major bowel surgery that importantly affected his condition.
A breakthrough pontificate: from Argentina to the Vatican
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected to the Peter's Capital on 13 March 2013, after the resignation of Benedict XVI. Although at the time of his election he was 76 years old and was referred to as a "transitional paper", his pontificate proved to be 1 of the most influential in the fresh past of the Church. Taking the name Francis, he referred to St Francis of Assisi, a symbol of poorness and humility.
His teaching focused on mercy, interreligious dialog and concern for the environment, as reflected in the encyclicals Laudato si’ and Fratelli tutti. He was besides the first pope to talk so openly about the request for reforms in the Church, including the fight against abuse and the greater function of women in church structures.
World reactions: grief and memories
The news of Pope Francis' death has sparked a wave of sadness all over the world. State leaders, clergymen, and faithful believers express their condolences and emphasize his contribution to building bridges between people.
"Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025 at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican home of Santa Marta" – informed the authoritative service Vatican News.
What's next with the Church? Conclave rules
According to the procedures, ceremony ceremonies will be held in the coming days, and then cardinals from all over the planet will go to the Vatican for conclave to elect St. Peter's successor.
The planet bids farewell to the Pope who changed the face of the Church. His legacy will stay alive in the hearts of millions of believers.
— Vatican News PL (@VaticanNewsPL) April 21, 2025
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Pope Francis left for the home of the Lord
