Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 following a stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure, the Vatican announced in a solemn statement on April 21, 2025.
The first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church, Pope Francis served as the 266th pontiff since his election in 2013. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was widely known for his humility, progressive stance on social issues, and efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy.
According to the Vatican, the pontiff suffered a severe stroke during the early hours of April 21. Despite rapid medical intervention, complications led to irreversible heart failure, marking the end of a papacy defined by compassion and calls for unity among global faiths.
Throughout his 12-year tenure, Pope Francis championed causes including climate action, poverty alleviation, interfaith dialogue, and the inclusion of marginalized groups within the Church. His death has sparked mourning across religious and political communities worldwide.
Plans for a papal funeral and the ensuing conclave to elect his successor are underway, the Vatican added. Tributes continue to pour in, honoring the legacy of a spiritual leader who reshaped the modern papacy with humility and hope.
