Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Pope Who Changed the Game
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He passed away in his Vatican home after suffering a stroke and heart failure. This came after months of health problems, including double pneumonia earlier this year.
First of His Kind
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis became the first Latin American pope, the first Jesuit pope, and the first non-European in over 1,200 years. He took over in 2013 and led the Catholic Church for just over 12 years.
A Humble Rule Breaker
Francis didn’t act like a typical pope. He ditched the fancy Vatican apartment and lived in a guesthouse. He drove a Ford Focus, pushed for environmental action, and focused on helping the poor.
He supported civil unions for same-sex couples, took strong stances against abuse in the Church, and called the treatment of Indigenous children in Canada’s residential schools “genocide.”
Final Days
Even in bad health, he gave his final Easter blessing from a wheelchair just one day before his death. His last public words asked for peace and care for the world’s most vulnerable people.
According to reports, his final words were a thank-you to his nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, for encouraging him to face the crowd one last time.
Funeral Plans
Pope Francis’s funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. He asked for a simple wooden coffin and to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore instead of the traditional Vatican tombs.
His body is lying in state through Friday, and the crowds have been so large that the Vatican may extend viewing hours.
What Happens Now?
With the papal seat empty, a conclave to elect the next pope is expected to start between May 6 and May 12.
Love him or not, Pope Francis changed the Catholic Church in big ways. He made it more about compassion, humility, and the people on the margins.