Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church and a major voice for peace, died early Monday morning at the age of 88. According to the Vatican, he passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time after suffering a stroke and heart failure at his residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae.

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Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, made history in 2013 when he became the first pope from Latin America. He led the Catholic Church for 12 years, focusing on helping the poor, fighting climate change, and encouraging kindness and understanding between different religions. Many people saw him as a modern and humble leader who tried to bring positive changes to the Church.

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Over the past few years, Pope Francis faced several health problems, including a serious lung infection and double pneumonia earlier this year. Still, he made one final appearance in public on Easter Sunday, briefly addressing the crowd in St. Peter’s Square.

The Vatican has announced that his funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square. He will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, as he had requested, a place where no pope has been buried in over 350 years.

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After his death, Catholic leaders from around the world gathered to choose the next pope. On May 8, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from the United States was elected and took the name Pope Leo XIV. He officially began his role as pope on May 25.

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World leaders quickly shared their condolences and praised Pope Francis for his leadership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said he inspired people far beyond the Catholic Church, and French President Emmanuel Macron called him a strong voice for the poor and suffering.

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Pope Francis will be remembered for his efforts to bring the Church closer to people and for encouraging love, justice, and respect throughout the world.

 

Works Cited:

Reals, Tucker, Haley Ott & Paula Cohen. “Pope Francis' death mourned worldwide as Catholic Church prepares for next chapter.” CBSNews, 22 Apr. 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/pope-francis-dies-age-88-reaction/?utm_source=chatgpt.com. 

 

Watkins, Devin. “Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday aged 88.” Vatican News, 21 Apr 2025, https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/pope-francis-dies-on-easter-monday-aged-88.html?utm.