Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. The cause of death was a cerebral stroke, which led to a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. 

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Latin American pontiff and the first non-European pope in over a millennium. His 12-year papacy was marked by efforts to modernize the Church, emphasizing social justice, environmental advocacy, and inclusivity. He was known for his humility and commitment to the marginalized, often clashing with traditionalists over his progressive reforms.​

Following his death, Pope Francis's body was placed in St. Peter's Basilica, where it will lie in state for three days to allow the faithful to pay their respects. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025. He will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome to his wishes.

The Vatican has announced that the College of Cardinals will convene to begin the process of selecting the next pope, a procedure known as the papal conclave. This conclave will be particularly significant, as Pope Francis appointed a majority of the current cardinal-electors, potentially influencing the direction of the Church's future leadership.

Global tributes have poured in, with leaders and faithful alike mourning the loss of a pontiff who sought to bring compassion and reform to the Catholic Church.