In a moment of profound sorrow for the global Catholic community and beyond, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis on Monday morning, April 21, 2025. At the age of 88, the beloved pontiff passed away in Rome following a prolonged illness. The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, who stated, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”
Just a day before his death, Pope Francis made a surprise appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica during Easter Sunday celebrations. I’m still recovering from a serious bout of double pneumonia that had kept him hospitalized for 38 days, he mustered the strength to wave to the crowd of over 35,000 faithfuls in Saint Peter’s Square and offer his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing. In his final public address, he emphasized “freedom of thought and tolerance”—a fitting message from a pope who built his papacy on mercy, inclusion, and justice.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, Francis was the first Latin American and Jesuit to become pope. Elected on March 13, 2013, after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Francis set out to reform the Vatican bureaucracy, root out corruption, and bring the Church closer to the marginalized. His papacy was marked by openness and humility—from his first “Buonasera” as pope to his insistence that the Church be a refuge for “todos, todos, todos” (“everyone, everyone, everyone”).
He championed environmental justice and warned against the dangers of unbridled capitalism. While he upheld Church teachings on celibacy and abortion, he redefined pastoral care by emphasizing mercy over dogma. His efforts to address the sexual abuse crisis, though not without controversy, marked a more transparent and empathetic approach than seen before.
Several world leaders have already paid tribute to Pope Francis following his death, remembering him as a humble and courageous spiritual guide who transcended borders with his message of mercy, compassion, and justice.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt condolences on the passing of Pope Francis, remembering him as a beacon of compassion and a tireless advocate for inclusive development. “Pope Francis will always be remembered for his humility, spiritual strength, and unwavering commitment to serving the poor and marginalized,” Modi wrote on X. He highlighted the pontiff’s lifelong dedication to the teachings of Christ and his efforts to bring hope to the distressed. “His deep affection for the people of India will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the Prime Minister added. Australia’s Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton, also highlighted Pope Francis’s devotion, simplicity, and commitment to serving others.
Prior to the Pope’s death, the Commonwealth of Nations reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, democracy, and religious tolerance, with Luís Franceschi, vice secretary general of the Commonwealth, declaring his intentions of meeting with the Pope this week, seeking to enhance collaboration with the Vatican on global peace-building efforts.
The Commonwealth includes several predominantly or significantly Catholic nations, including Malta, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, and various Caribbean nations, such as Saint Lucia. In Africa, countries like Uganda and Kenya also have substantial Catholic populations.
With Francis’ passing, the Vatican enters a period known as “sede vacante” (“vacant see”), during which the College of Cardinals will gather in a conclave to elect a new pontiff. While Pope Francis had prepared a letter of resignation to be used if he were ever medically incapacitated, the normal protocols of succession will now proceed. His funeral and the election of his successor will mark a historic moment for the Church, especially as it navigates a world increasingly shaped by division, climate crisis, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence—issues Francis passionately addressed.
Pope Francis leaves behind a Church transformed—more open, more inclusive, and more aligned with the social justice mission of the Gospel. His final act, appearing before the world on Easter Sunday despite grave illness, underscored a life lived in service to others. As the Catholic world mourns and reflects, his message remains: compassion, mercy, and solidarity are the true heart of faith.
