Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Humble Pontiff Who Changed the Church

Pope Francis, who served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, died on the morning of April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The Vatican made the announcement just one day after he appeared in public to deliver his final Easter blessing. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s camerlengo, confirmed the news in a solemn address. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” he said from the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, where Francis had lived for most of his papacy.

Francis’ death came after a long struggle with respiratory illnesses. He had recently been hospitalized for over five weeks due to bilateral pneumonia and related complications. At times, doctors feared he would not recover. Despite these challenges, he insisted on continuing his duties. Only a day before his death, he greeted thousands of Catholics in St. Peter’s Square from his popemobile and gave an Easter message that emphasized peace, compassion, and the protection of migrants.

The pope’s final message, read aloud by an aide, included a plea that reflected the core of his papacy: “How much contempt is stirred up at times towards the vulnerable, the marginalized, and migrants!” He called for a cease-fire in Gaza and urged the world to reject division and show solidarity with the suffering.

A Papacy of Firsts

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit to become pope, and the first non-European to hold the position in more than 1,200 years. He was elected on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.

He quickly became known for his humility and his connection to the people. He rejected many of the traditional symbols of papal luxury. He lived in a modest guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace and often rode in a Ford Focus or used public transportation instead of the papal limousine. He called for a “poor Church for the poor” and said that the Church must not be obsessed with rules but rather focused on mercy and love.

His approach was praised for making the Catholic Church feel more open and accessible. As one mourner in Rome said after his death, “He was one of us, one of the people. He was everyone’s pope.” Another added, “We lost a father.”

Impact and Global Reach

Throughout his papacy, Francis visited more than 45 countries and made history by being the first pope to travel to Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Mongolia. His final major trip in 2024 took him to Indonesia, East Timor, and Papua New Guinea. In East Timor, half the country came to see him say Mass. In Jakarta, Indonesia, 100,000 people gathered at a stadium to greet him.

During that trip, he used simple but powerful gestures to send a message. He traveled in a Toyota hybrid instead of a luxury vehicle and visited the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia. After the grand imam placed a hand on Francis’ head, the pope kissed the imam’s hand, a moment that moved many observers. “Even my Muslim friends were speechless when they saw him,” said Endang Widuri, a woman from Jakarta. “I got goosebumps even remembering this.”

President Jose Ramos-Horta of East Timor said on the day of Francis’ death, “This is the greatest loss for humanity at a time when the world is in turmoil for lack of wise and compassionate leadership.”

Francis also apologized to Indigenous people in Canada for the Catholic Church’s role in residential schools. Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada said the pope’s apology during his 2022 visit was “an important step of accountability and healing.”

A Voice for the Marginalized

Francis consistently stood up for those pushed to the edges of society. He focused much of his energy on helping the poor, advocating for migrants, and defending human dignity. His Easter message, delivered the day before his death, repeated one of his central themes: “It impels us to care for one another, to increase our mutual solidarity, and to work for the integral development of each human person.”

He criticized deportation policies and the treatment of migrants in many countries. During a 2024 audience, he said clearly, “There are those who systematically work by all means to drive away migrants, and this, when done knowingly and deliberately, is a grave sin.”

He also addressed issues of climate change, economic inequality, and corporate responsibility. He urged business leaders to use their power for good, once writing to the World Economic Forum that prosperity should never blind us to the pain of others.

Tributes and Mourning Around the World

Reactions to Francis’ death came in from around the world. President Biden, a Catholic, said, “He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church. He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe.” Former President Obama added, “Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people.”

In Brazil, President Lula declared seven days of mourning. King Charles of the United Kingdom said he remembered Francis with “particular affection.” In Paris, Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced that the Eiffel Tower would go dark in his honor and plans to name a public place after him.

In New York City, mourners lit candles at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. In Manila, Filipinos filled churches to pray. At the Holy Family Church in Gaza, Palestinian Christians gathered to remember a pope who had called them often during the war.

Cardinal Farrell said that Francis’ body would be placed in a coffin Monday evening, with public viewing likely to begin Wednesday at St. Peter’s Basilica.

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The Search for a New Pope Begins

With Pope Francis now gone, the College of Cardinals will gather in the Vatican to elect his successor. A conclave will begin within 15 to 20 days. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, and it will take a two-thirds majority to elect the next pope.

Francis appointed nearly 80 percent of the current cardinal electors, many of whom share his pastoral priorities. However, there is speculation that the Church may move toward the center after twelve years of often divisive reforms.

Below are leading candidates being discussed as possible successors to Francis.

Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, 66, France

Aveline is a theologian and Archbishop of Marseille. Born in Algeria and raised in France, he is known for his openness to other religions and his strong ties to Francis. He hosted a major Church conference on the Mediterranean and has been praised for his interfaith efforts. While warm and approachable, he does not speak Italian fluently, which may pose challenges inside the Vatican.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, Italy

As Secretary of State, Parolin has been one of the most powerful figures in the Vatican for over a decade. He is seen as a diplomatic centrist who worked closely with both Pope Francis and his predecessors. He led negotiations with China and Vietnam and may appeal to cardinals who want a steady, experienced leader with a calm, diplomatic style.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, Philippines

Tagle is often described as the “Asian Francis” due to his deep commitment to the poor and his personal humility. He was once head of Caritas Internationalis and speaks multiple languages. His removal from Caritas amid internal problems might hurt his chances, but his pastoral style and global recognition still make him a strong candidate.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69, Italy

The Archbishop of Bologna, Zuppi is known for riding a bicycle, working with the poor, and engaging in diplomacy. He helped negotiate peace in Mozambique and was recently appointed as a papal envoy for the war in Ukraine. He is popular among progressives but could face resistance from more conservative cardinals.

Cardinal Peter Erdo, 72, Hungary

Erdo is a legal scholar and a theological conservative. He opposed Francis on refugee issues but is respected for his intellect and calm leadership. He has connections across Europe and Africa and is fluent in several languages. He could become a compromise candidate between the Church’s ideological factions.

Cardinal Mario Grech, 68, Malta

Grech leads the Synod of Bishops and has become a central figure in Francis’ reforms. Once considered conservative, he has since embraced many of the pope’s ideas, including greater inclusion for LGBT Catholics. His ability to build consensus may help him in a divided conclave.

Cardinal Robert Sarah, 79, Guinea

A traditionalist voice in the Church, Sarah is admired by conservatives and known for defending the Latin Mass. He has publicly criticized many of Francis’ reforms and would represent a return to a more doctrinal papacy. At 79, his age may be a disadvantage.

Cardinal Peter Turkson, 76, Ghana

Turkson has played key roles in promoting social justice and environmental issues within the Church. He has Vatican experience and strong credentials in moral theology. While he has denied wanting the job, some believe he could become the first sub-Saharan African pope.

Cardinal Joseph Tobin, 72, United States

Tobin is the Archbishop of Newark and the most prominent American candidate. He is known for his openness toward LGBT people and transparency in handling abuse cases. Though he is respected, the fact that he is American could work against him due to concerns about geopolitical balance.

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The coming conclave will be a historic one. As mourners fill the squares and cathedrals, the cardinals now face a choice that will shape the Catholic Church’s future. Will they continue the path set by Pope Francis or turn toward a more traditional direction? The answer will come soon, from behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel.