The world is agog with disbelief at the news of the death of Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff.
Pope Francis, who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change died early Easter Monday, April 21, 2025 at the age of 88.
Bells tolled in church towers across Rome after the announcement, which was read out by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis lived; with tributes pouring in from different parts of the world.
“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,″ Ferrell said.
Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.
But he emerged on Easter Sunday — his last public appearance, a day before his death — to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square and treat them to a surprise popemobile romp through the piazza, drawing wild cheers and applause. Beforehand, he met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
Previously, in a departure from tradition, Francis had expressed his desire to be buried outside the Vatican.
The process to elect a new pope is expected to begin after a period of mourning.
