Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and its first Latin American leader, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that he died at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City. The cause of death was a stroke followed by irreversible heart failure, following a recent battle with double pneumonia.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Pope Francis was elected to the papacy in March 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. He was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over a millennium.

His papacy was marked by a focus on humility, inclusivity, and social justice. He advocated for the poor and marginalized, addressed climate change, and supported civil unions for same-sex couples. He also took steps to reform the Church’s governance and increase transparency.

Despite health challenges, including a recent hospitalization for double pneumonia, Pope Francis continued his duties, delivering his final public blessing on Easter Sunday, just a day before his passing.

In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, making him the first pope to be interred outside the Vatican since Pope Leo XIII in 1903.

His funeral is expected to take place within the next few days, with world leaders and dignitaries in attendance.The College of Cardinals will convene a conclave in the coming weeks to elect his successor, as the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning and transition.