The World Mourns, The Death of the Pope and What Comes Next
Pope Francis' Passing
Pope Francis, whose birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City, just a day after Easter. His passing marked the end of a remarkable era of spiritual leadership. Known for his humility, compassion, and tireless advocacy for the marginalized, Pope Francis touched the lives of millions around the world. From reforming Church governance to promoting interfaith dialogue, his legacy goes far beyond the Vatican walls. His death was met with an outpouring of grief and reflection from Catholics and non-Catholics alike, all remembering a man who truly walked the talk of faith and service.
What time did Pope Francis died
He passed away early Monday morning at 7:35 a.m. CEST. The Vatican made the official announcement a couple of hours later, around 9:45 a.m. CEST. His death came as a solemn moment for Catholics around the world.
Cause of Death and Health Condition
Although no specific cause of death was released, it is known that he had been seriously ill in the weeks leading up to his passing. He was hospitalized back in February with a severe case of pneumonia and faced multiple episodes of respiratory distress. Doctors used non-invasive ventilation and performed bronchoscopies to help manage his condition, but unfortunately, his health continued to decline.
Final Public Appearances
Even with his health struggles, Pope Francis made a surprise public appearance on April 6, greeting visitors in St. Peters Square. Then, on April 20 ,just a day before he passed—he delivered his final Easter blessing from the balcony of St. Peters Basilica. It was a touching moment for many who saw it as his last goodbye.
When did Pope Francis become pope
He became pope on March 13, 2013, after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His election was historic—he was the first Jesuit pope, the first from Latin America, and the first non-European pope in over a thousand years.
Who is the next Pope?
Now that Pope Francis has passed, the process of choosing his successor begins. The College of Cardinals will gather in a private conclave at the Vatican to vote on the next pope. While there is always speculation about who it might be often focusing on a few high-profile cardinals—it is not uncommon for the final choice to surprise everyone.
