Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Legacy of Mercy, Dialogue, and Reform | April 23, 2025

Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Legacy of Mercy, Dialogue, and Reform

Vatican City – April 21, 2025 – Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, passed away peacefully on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death early in the morning, marking the end of a transformative and historic 12-year papacy.

Cause of Death

According to the Vatican’s official press release, Pope Francis died due to complications related to his long-standing respiratory and cardiac conditions. In recent years, the Pontiff had been hospitalized multiple times for bronchitis and underwent intestinal surgery in 2023. Despite ongoing health concerns, he continued his papal duties until his final days.

He passed away surrounded by close aides and clergy at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta residence.

A Historic Papacy

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Pope Francis became the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years when he was elected on March 13, 2013.

From the beginning, he broke with tradition—choosing simpler clothing, rejecting lavish papal apartments, and calling for “a poor Church for the poor.” His papacy was marked by:

• 🕊️ Emphasis on mercy and compassion

• 🌍 Strong advocacy for the environment (Laudato Si’)

• 🤝 Promotion of interfaith dialogue with Muslims, Jews, and other religions

• 🛐 Reforming Church structures, including the Curia and synodal leadership

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• 🏳️‍🌈 Calls for inclusion of marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community

While beloved by many for his humility and progressive tone, he also faced criticism from conservative factions within the Church who believed he strayed too far from tradition.

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