VATICAN CITY – April 21, 2025 — Pope Francis, the beloved spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the first pope from Latin America, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican released an official statement early Monday morning confirming his passing.
“With profound sorrow, the Holy See announces that His Holiness Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at 2:47 a.m. Rome time,” said Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office. “The Holy Father died peacefully in the Apostolic Palace, surrounded by prayer and close aides. The universal Church mourns the loss of a pastor who gave his life in service to Christ and His people.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected to the papacy on March 13, 2013, following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Throughout his 12-year papacy, he became known for his humility, his devotion to the poor, his urgent call for care for creation, and his message of mercy.
Pope Francis consistently called the Church to go to the margins and minister to those most in need. His landmark encyclical Laudato Si’ and his emphasis on synodality reshaped global conversations on the environment, social justice, and Church leadership.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, said in a statement:
“Pope Francis led not only with words, but with the quiet authority of example. His smile, his gestures of tenderness, his tireless commitment to peace and fraternity—these touched millions of lives.”
Details of funeral arrangements and public liturgies will be released in the coming days. The Vatican confirmed that the College of Cardinals will begin preparations for the conclave to elect a new pope.
As the Catholic world enters a period of mourning, the faithful are asked to pray for the repose of Pope Francis’s soul, and to give thanks for his witness to the Gospel.
Let Us Pray…
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”