World News
Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Legacy of Compassion and Reform
Apr
The Final Hours: A Peaceful Passing
On Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 in his residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. The Vatican announced that he died at 7:35 a.m. local time. His death followed a sudden stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure. Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the Vatican’s head of health and hygiene, confirmed the cause of death as a stroke followed by irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.
Despite recent health challenges, including a five-week hospitalization for double pneumonia, Pope Francis had been active in his final days. He delivered his Easter blessing from a wheelchair in St. Peter’s Square and met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on Easter Sunday. His personal healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, recounted that the Pope expressed gratitude for being able to return to the square one last time.
Mourning and Tributes: A Global Farewell
The news of Pope Francis’s death elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from around the world. King Charles of the United Kingdom reflected on their final meeting, praising the Pope’s compassion and commitment to unity and environmental stewardship. Former U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, along with Prince William representing the British royal family, were among the dignitaries expected to attend the funeral.
In honor of the late pontiff, St. Peter’s Basilica remained open throughout the night to accommodate the thousands of mourners wishing to pay their respects. Over 20,000 people visited his open casket during the initial eight hours of viewing. The basilica only briefly closed between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. on April 24.
A Papacy of Firsts: Breaking Traditions
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first Latin American and Jesuit pope. Elected on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, he was known for his humility and dedication to social justice. Throughout his papacy, he addressed issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and the refugee crisis. He also took steps to modernize the Church, including expressing support for civil unions for same-sex couples and advocating for the abolition of the death penalty.
Pope Francis’s approach often challenged traditional norms, earning him both admiration and criticism. His emphasis on inclusivity and outreach to marginalized communities marked a significant shift in the Church’s direction. Despite facing resistance, he remained steadfast in his mission to bring the Church closer to the people.
Funeral Arrangements: Honoring His Wishes
In accordance with Pope Francis’s wishes, his funeral was planned with simplicity. He requested to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, making him the first pope to be interred outside the Vatican since Pope Leo XIII in 1903. The funeral, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, was to be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals.
The Pope’s body was moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on April 23 for a three-day public viewing. In a departure from tradition, he opted for a basic wooden coffin lined with zinc and ended the practice of placing the pope’s body on a raised platform for public viewing. These choices reflected his commitment to humility and accessibility.
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Legacy and Succession: Looking Ahead
Pope Francis’s death marked the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church. His efforts to address contemporary issues and promote inclusivity left a lasting impact. As the Church enters a period of mourning, preparations for the papal conclave to elect his successor are underway. According to Church law, the conclave must convene about 15 to 20 days after the papacy becomes vacant, in this case between May 6 and May 11, 2025.
The next pope will inherit the challenges and opportunities that Pope Francis confronted during his tenure. His legacy of compassion, reform, and engagement with global issues will continue to influence the direction of the Church for years to come.
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