Vatican announcement: Death of the first Latin American pope, who marked the church with his openness and reforms. Pope Francis died today.
Pope Francis dies! On Monday, April 21, 2025, Pope Francis died in the Vatican, aged 88. His death was confirmed at 7:35 a.m. by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican's camerlegno, who stated: "At 7:35 a.m., Bishop of Rome Francis went to the Father's house. His life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and his Church."
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, was elected as the 266th pope in 2013, becoming the first non-European and first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church. His 12-year pontificate was marked by reforms, openness to marginalized groups and efforts to modernize church structures.
Pope Francis has been hospitalized several times in recent months due to serious health problems, including bilateral pneumonia that required prolonged hospitalization and intensive care. Nevertheless, on April 20, 2025, he delivered the Easter "Urbi et Orbi" blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
Francis' pontificate has been marked by his emphasis on social justice, environmental responsibility and dialogue with other religions. His statements, such as the famous line: "If someone is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?", have resonated around the world and sparked much debate both within and outside the church.
His death marks the end of one of the most groundbreaking pontificates in the modern history of the church. Vatican protocol calls for a period of mourning and preparation for the conclave where cardinals will choose a new pope.
Believers around the world are gathering in prayer and remembrance of Pope Francis, who has marked millions of people with his humility, authenticity, and dedication.
More information will be released as additional details become available.
Biography of Pope Francis: A Man of the People Who Changed the Church
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, later known as Pope Francis, was born December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, in Argentina, to a family of Italian immigrants. His father Mario Jose Bergoglio was a railway worker, mother Regina Maria Sívori and a housewife. He was the oldest of five children.
Humble roots and the path to priesthood
In his youth, Jorge studied chemistry, but then decided to pursue a priestly vocation. Years 1958 he entered Jesuit order, where he completed philosophical and theological studies. He was ordained a priest December 13, 1969and began performing episcopal duties in 1992, when he became auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires.
Archbishop and Cardinal
Years 1998 has become Archbishop of Buenos Aires, known for his modesty – he abandoned the luxurious archdiocesan residence and lived in a simple apartment. He traveled around the city by public transport, often visiting poor and marginalized communities. In the years 2001 He was appointed a cardinal by Pope John Paul II.
Election as Pope
After resignation Benedict XVI was March 13, 2013 elected for 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He became first pope from Latin America, the first non-European pope in more than a millennium, first Jesuit pope, and the first to choose a name Francis – after Saint Francis of Assisi, a symbol of modesty, peace and love for nature.
A pontificate of reform, dialogue and compassion
Pope Francis has led the Church through many challenges in his 12 years as leader. reforms, so on administrative like conceptual field. He advocated for greater women's inclusion, more open attitude towards LGBTQ+ people, renovation Vatican financial system, and strongly highlighted topics such as the environment, social justice and refugees.
His encyclicals, such as Praise be to you. (2015) about environmental concerns and All brothers (2020) about fraternity and social solidarity, have strongly marked modern Catholic doctrine.
Health and last years
In the last years of his life, the pope struggled with various health problems - a colonectomy, knee problems and repeated respiratory infections - but he continued his pastoral work and international visits until 2024, when he spent several weeks in hospital with pneumonia.
Death and legacy
April 21, 2025 it is died in the Vatican, old 88 yearsWith his modesty, openness and unwavering will to change, he will remain one of the most recognizable and popular popes of modern timesHe will go down in history as the Pope who wanted the Church to be more like Jesus – close to the people, especially the most vulnerable.
