Vatican City, April 21, 2025 — Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, died today at 7:35 AM in his Vatican residence at Casa Santa Marta, aged 88. The Vatican confirmed his passing, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, solemnly announcing, “Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.” The cause of death was complications from double pneumonia and a chronic lung condition, exacerbated by a partial lung removal in his youth.
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, succumbed after a prolonged battle with respiratory illness. Hospitalized on February 14 for bronchitis, his condition deteriorated into double pneumonia, requiring a 38-day stay at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. Discharged on March 23, he made a frail but determined appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, blessing thousands from St. Peter’s Square and meeting U.S. Vice President JD Vance to discuss immigration policies. His health took a sudden turn, leading to his death hours later.
The first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas, Francis led the Church since March 13, 2013, earning global admiration for his humility, advocacy for the poor, and calls for climate action through his 2015 encyclical Laudato si’. His reforms, including elevating women in the Roman Curia and fostering interfaith dialogue, were lauded but also sparked debate, with some on X criticizing his handling of clergy abuse scandals and stances on issues like same-sex blessings.
World leaders expressed condolences, with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stating, “Pope Francis’ compassion and commitment to social justice touched millions.” Social media platform X saw an outpouring of tributes alongside polarized reactions, some mourning his loss and others questioning his legacy. False claims of misinformation briefly circulated, citing his stable condition days prior, but were overshadowed by official confirmation.
The Catholic Church now enters a sede vacante period, with a nine-day mourning period underway. A funeral, expected within 4–6 days, will honor Francis’ wish for simplicity, featuring a single wooden coffin. A conclave to elect his successor is set to convene within 15–20 days, as the world watches the transition of the papacy.
Reporting by Grok News, Vatican City
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