Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The announcement of his death came from Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, at 9:45 a.m. Rome time, delivered from the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope’s residence within the Vatican walls. The precise moment of his passing was recorded at 7:35 a.m. local time.
The timing of his death, occurring on Easter Monday, immediately following the most sacred period in the Christian calendar that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, carries a profound symbolic weight for billions of Catholics worldwide. This juxtaposition of earthly passing with the Christian belief in eternal life may be seen by many as a meaningful transition for the spiritual leader.
As noted by Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher, the death of a Pope during Easter is considered a “very special” sign of grace within the holy season.
Cardinal Farrell’s initial statement conveyed the deep sorrow felt by the Church and highlighted Pope Francis’s unwavering dedication to the service of the Lord and His Church. The announcement emphasized the Pope’s teachings rooted in the core values of the Gospel, such as fidelity, courage, and universal love, with a particular focus on his deep concern for the poorest and most marginalized members of society.
This immediate emphasis on the central tenets of Pope Francis’s papacy sets the stage for how his tenure and legacy will be remembered by the faithful and the wider global community. The Vatican’s initial message serves to frame the narrative around his key priorities and his spiritual leadership, guiding the immediate public perception of his passing.
A Final Easter Blessing: Pope’s Last Public Appearance Before Passing
Just a day before his passing, Pope Francis made a significant public appearance on Easter Sunday in St. Peter’s Square. He delivered the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, which translates to “To the City and to the World,” from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. Despite appearing visibly frail and having delegated the celebration of the Easter Mass itself to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, Pope Francis was determined to personally deliver his Easter greetings to the thousands gathered in the square and the millions more watching around the world. His voice, though weak, resonated with the familiar message of hope and renewal that characterizes the Easter season.
Following the blessing, in a moment that surprised and moved the assembled faithful, Pope Francis made an unexpected appearance in the popemobile. He embarked on a lengthy ride around St. Peter’s Square and extended his route up and down the Via della Conciliazione, the avenue leading to the Vatican.
This unscheduled gesture, considering his recent health struggles, could be interpreted as a final, heartfelt farewell to the countless individuals who had come to celebrate Easter and to see their spiritual leader. Knowing that his health was precarious, this extended appearance suggests a conscious and deliberate effort to connect with the people one last time, transforming it into a particularly poignant moment in his papacy.
Earlier on that same Easter Sunday, Pope Francis held a brief meeting with the Vice President of the United States, J.D. Vance. Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, later noted that the Pope appeared “obviously very ill” during their encounter.
This personal account from a high-ranking political figure who saw the Pope just hours before his death provides a stark and intimate glimpse into the pontiff’s declining health in his final days. Vance’s observation serves as a confirmation of the Pope’s weakened state and adds a human dimension to the news of his passing, underscoring his dedication to his duties even in the face of significant physical challenges.
Global Mourning and Tributes Pour In for ‘The People’s Pope’
The news of Pope Francis’s death triggered an immediate outpouring of grief and tributes from leaders across the globe, reflecting his significant influence on international affairs and his widespread appeal. King Charles III of the United Kingdom praised the Pope for his tireless work on safeguarding the planet, a testament to Francis’s strong advocacy for environmental issues.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described him as an inspiration for the entire world, not just Christians, highlighting his impact beyond the Catholic faith. Even Argentina’s far-right President Javier Milei, who had previously held a somewhat strained relationship with the Pope, expressed his sorrow at the loss of a great man and shepherd.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, who had visited Francis during his recent hospitalization, echoed this sentiment, expressing deep sadness at his passing. French President Emmanuel Macron noted the Pope’s constant support for “the most vulnerable and the most fragile” and his fight for “more justice”. Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin highlighted Francis’s “unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace and human dignity” throughout his “long and distinguished papacy”.
Leaders from various religious backgrounds and Christian denominations also conveyed their condolences and paid tribute to Pope Francis’s efforts in fostering interreligious dialogue and promoting unity among different faiths. The Dalai Lama mourned the Pope’s passing and urged the world to follow his example of service and generosity, recognizing his dedication to others and his simple yet meaningful life.
The head of the Church of England remembered Pope Francis for his profound commitment to improving relations among the world’s religions. Rome’s chief rabbi described his pontificate as an important new chapter in the relationship between Judaism and Catholicism. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, expressed sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, describing him as a “faithful friend” and a “sincere friend of Orthodoxy”.
Across Italy and in many parts of the world, the public reacted to the news with profound sadness and a sense of loss. Flags were flown at half-staff across Italy as a sign of respect, and some top-level soccer matches were postponed as a mark of mourning. In St. Peter’s Square, hundreds of people gathered for a rosary prayer in the immediate aftermath of the Vatican’s announcement.
In Minnesota, like in Catholic communities worldwide, people mourned Pope Francis, remembering him as a great teacher and a champion for the poor and the environment, whose influence extended beyond the confines of the Church. These widespread displays of mourning underscore the deep personal connection that many individuals, both within and outside the Catholic Church, felt with Pope Francis and his message of compassion and inclusivity.
Uncertainty Surrounds Cause of Death Amidst Recent Health Battles
Pope Francis had been grappling with a series of health issues in recent years, culminating in a significant health crisis in February 2025. He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14th after suffering from bronchitis, which subsequently developed into bilateral pneumonia, affecting both of his lungs. His hospitalization lasted for 38 days, marking the longest period he had spent in the hospital during his 12-year papacy.
This prolonged illness had already fueled speculation about his future as the leader of the Catholic Church, with many recalling the unprecedented resignation of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, due to health reasons. His eventual return to the Vatican on March 23rd brought a sense of relief to many, but concerns about his long-term health persisted.
While the Vatican’s initial announcement of Pope Francis’s death did not specify the exact cause , various reports from Italian media outlets have offered potential explanations. Some reports suggested that the 88-year-old pontiff might have suffered a cerebral stroke or a brain hemorrhage. Other sources indicated that the cause of death was a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
Additionally, some reports pointed towards complications arising from the double pneumonia he had battled earlier in the year as the primary factor. One Italian news agency, ANSA, cited sources suggesting that his death was not related to respiratory issues but rather to a cerebral hemorrhage. Local reports also mentioned that his doctors stated he “passed away peacefully”.
The lack of a definitive and unified statement from the Vatican in the immediate aftermath of the announcement has naturally led to this range of speculation, underscoring the need for official confirmation regarding the precise cause of his death.
The Ancient Rituals Begin: Navigating the ‘Sede Vacante’ and Papal Funeral
With the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church has entered a significant transitional period known as ‘sede vacante,’ which literally means “the vacant seat”. This period signifies the vacancy of the Holy See and initiates a specific set of ancient protocols and traditions that govern the Church until a new Pope is elected. During this interim, the administrative and financial duties of the Holy See are primarily overseen by the camerlengo, a largely ceremonial role currently held by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who also announced the Pope’s death.
Nearly all prefects of Vatican offices lose their jobs during this time, with a few exceptions, such as the foreign minister and the master of liturgical ceremonies, who plays a crucial role in organizing the upcoming conclave.
The funeral of Pope Francis must take place between four and six days after his death. While the exact date has yet to be announced, it is anticipated that his body could be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica as early as Wednesday to allow the faithful to pay their respects before his mortal remains.
Notably, Pope Francis had expressed a desire for a simple burial at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, a departure from the tradition of Popes being buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. He also requested to be buried “in the ground, without particular decoration” with a plain inscription bearing only his name, “Franciscus,” and had arranged for an unnamed benefactor to cover the costs. This request for simplicity reflects a key theme of his papacy – humility and a focus on the essential aspects of faith.
Following the Pope’s death, a nine-day mourning period known as the ‘Novemdiales’ will be observed. During this time, cardinals from around the world will begin to arrive in Rome. They will then convene in ‘General Congregations,’ which serve as a period for discussion, sharing perspectives on the state of the Church, and informally assessing potential candidates for the papacy.
The dean of the College of Cardinals, currently Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, will play a key role in summoning the cardinals for the funeral and presiding over the Mass before the conclave begins. This period of mourning and preparation is a crucial step in the process of electing a new leader for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
The Conclave Beckons: Inside the Process of Electing a New Pontiff
The election of the next Pope will take place in a papal conclave, a gathering of the College of Cardinals convened in secrecy in the Sistine Chapel. The conclave must begin no earlier than 15 days and no later than 20 days after the ‘sede vacante’ is declared, allowing sufficient time for all eligible cardinals to travel to Rome. Only cardinals who are under the age of 80 on the day the papacy falls vacant are eligible to vote.
As of April 21, 2025, there are 252 cardinals, of whom approximately 135 are under the age of 80 and thus eligible to participate in the conclave. While technically any baptized Roman Catholic male is eligible to be elected Pope, the tradition since 1378 has been to choose from within the College of Cardinals.
The procedure of the conclave is steeped in tradition and designed to ensure the secrecy and independence of the election process. Once the cardinals have gathered in the Sistine Chapel, the doors are locked, and they take an oath of secrecy, forbidding any communication with the outside world. The election proceeds through a series of secret ballots. Each cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot, folds it twice, and places it in a chalice.
After each round of voting, the ballots are counted, and if no candidate receives the required two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned in a special stove. Black smoke emanating from the chimney signals that no Pope has been elected, while white smoke announces to the world that a new pontiff has been chosen.
This process continues until a cardinal receives the necessary two-thirds plus one vote. Once a Pope is elected, the dean of the College of Cardinals asks him if he accepts the election and what papal name he wishes to take. The new Pope is then presented to the waiting crowds in St. Peter’s Square with the famous words, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” (“I announce to you with great joy: We have a Pope!”).
Who Will Lead the Flock? Examining the Frontrunners to Succeed Francis
As the Catholic Church prepares for the upcoming conclave, several cardinals have emerged as potential successors to Pope Francis, often referred to as ‘papabili’.4 These candidates represent a range of theological and political leanings within the Church, suggesting that the selection process could be complex and potentially contested.
| Cardinal Name | Country | Age | Known Ideological Leaning | Key Characteristics |
| Pietro Parolin | Italy | 70 | Moderate | Vatican Secretary of State, experienced diplomat, seen as a continuity candidate. |
| Luis Antonio Tagle | Philippines | 67 | Liberal | Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, could be the first Asian Pope, has criticized the Church’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues and divorced Catholics. |
| Peter Erdo | Hungary | 72 | Conservative | Archbishop of Budapest, former president of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences, known for his traditional views on marriage and refugees. |
| Matteo Zuppi | Italy | 69 | Progressive | Archbishop of Bologna, President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, seen as a favorite of Pope Francis, has engaged in peace missions and has a positive view of the LGBT+ community. |
| Reinhard Marx | Germany | 71 | Progressive | Archbishop of Munich and Freising, key advisor to Pope Francis, advocate for dialogue on controversial issues within the German church. |
| Marc Ouellet | Canada | 80 | Conservative | Head of the Vatican’s bishops office for over a decade, appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, considered more conservative than Francis. |
| Robert Prevost | United States | 69 | Unknown | Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, extensive experience in Peru. |
| Robert Sarah | Guinea | 79 | Conservative | Retired head of the Vatican’s liturgy office, strong advocate for traditional liturgy, considered a hope for an African pope by conservatives. |
| Christoph Schoenborn | Austria | 80 | Moderate/Conservative | Archbishop of Vienna, student of Pope Benedict XVI, defended Pope Francis’s outreach to divorced and remarried Catholics. |
| Jose Tolentino de Mendonca | Portugal | 59 | Unknown | Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, also a member of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. |
| Cristobal Lopez Romero | Spain | 72 | Unknown | Archbishop of Rabat, has a history of pastoral work in Latin America. |
| Pierbattista Pizzaballa | Israel | 59 | Unknown | Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. |
| Jean-Marc Aveline | France | 66 | Liberal | Archbishop of Marseille, reportedly a favorite of Francis’, dedicated to issues of migration and interreligious dialogue. |
| Raymond Leo Burke | United States | 76 | Traditionalist | Regarded as an outspoken traditionalist, made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI, has publicly clashed with Pope Francis’s more liberal philosophies. |
| Wim Eijk | Netherlands | 71 | Traditionalist | Archbishop of Utrecht, one of the biggest conservative critics of Pope Francis’ papacy, particularly regarding LGBT rights and ecumenical outreach. |
| Angelo Scola | Italy | 82 | Conservative | Former Archbishop of Milan, long-standing papal contender, considered a potential “stop gap” candidate. |
| Peter Turkson | Ghana | 76 | Liberal | Former head of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, vocal on social justice issues, could be the first Black African Pope. |
The College of Cardinals is not a unified body, and various factions with differing views on crucial issues will likely play a significant role in the selection of the next Pope. Some observers anticipate a potential contest between conservative and liberal wings of the Church for its future direction. The diverse backgrounds and ideological stances of the potential candidates suggest that the upcoming conclave could be characterized by intense deliberations and the need for significant consensus-building to reach the required two-thirds majority.
A Legacy of Reform and Compassion: Pope Francis’s Enduring Impact on the Catholic Church
Pope Francis’s 12-year papacy was a period of significant reform and change within the Catholic Church, marked by his efforts to create a more inclusive, compassionate, and outward-reaching institution focused on the needs of the marginalized. He softened the Church’s stance on certain issues, such as homosexuality with his famous “Who am I to judge?” remark, and approved blessings for same-sex couples. He also increased the visibility and influence of women in the Church by appointing them to higher positions within the Vatican and granting them the right to vote in the Synod of Bishops for the first time.
Furthermore, Pope Francis broadened the representation within the College of Cardinals by appointing more non-European cardinals, reflecting the global nature of the Catholic Church.
A central and defining aspect of his papacy was his unwavering focus on the poor, refugees, and those living on the peripheries of society. He consistently spoke out against income inequality, injustice, and the mistreatment of migrants, urging for a more merciful and welcoming approach. His commitment to the poor was not just rhetorical; he took concrete actions such as establishing a refuge for the homeless in the Vatican plaza and participating in the traditional foot-washing ceremony with migrants and prisoners.
Pope Francis also emerged as a powerful global voice on the issue of environmental protection, emphasizing the urgent need to address climate change. His landmark encyclical ‘Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home,’ released in 2015, was a significant contribution to the global conversation on environmental stewardship, calling for an “integral ecology” that respects both humanity and the natural world.
His choice of the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, symbolized his commitment to radical simplicity and love for the poor. While his reforms and progressive stances were widely praised, they also faced resistance from more conservative elements within the Church, highlighting the internal divisions that the next Pope will need to navigate.
The Path Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities for the Catholic Church in a Post-Francis Era
The Catholic Church now stands at a pivotal moment following the death of Pope Francis. The next pontiff will inherit a Church that has been significantly shaped by Francis’s reforms and his engagement with contemporary global issues.
One of the primary challenges facing the new Pope will be to navigate the internal divisions that have emerged between progressive and conservative factions during Francis’s tenure. Maintaining unity within the Church, while respecting the diverse viewpoints of its members, will be a crucial priority.
Another significant challenge that persists is the ongoing crisis of clergy sexual abuse. While Pope Francis took some steps to address this issue, including abolishing pontifical secrecy in abuse cases and establishing procedures for investigating bishops, further concrete and effective reforms will be necessary to regain the trust of survivors and ensure accountability within the Church. The new Pope will be expected to demonstrate a firm commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
At the same time, the Church has an opportunity to build upon the legacy of Pope Francis’s global engagement. He positioned the Church as a significant moral voice on issues ranging from peace and poverty to climate change.
The next Pope will need to decide how to continue this active role in world affairs, balancing the Church’s spiritual mission with its responsibility to address the pressing challenges facing humanity.
The composition of the College of Cardinals, significantly altered by Pope Francis’s appointments, suggests that the next conclave could usher in a leader who will continue on a similar path, or potentially steer the Church in a new direction. The coming weeks will be a time of intense prayer, deliberation, and anticipation as the world waits to see who will succeed Pope Francis and lead the Catholic Church into the future.
