In recent years, the Pope’s health had raised concerns. In February 2025, he was admitted to the hospital due to severe bronchitis and bilateral pneumonia, resulting in a 38-day stay at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome. During this period, he also faced early-stage kidney failure and required mechanical ventilation. Nevertheless, he made a public appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, where he delivered his final blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica.
Elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Francis was notable for being the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas. His papacy emphasized humility, social justice, and environmental stewardship. He addressed pressing global issues such as migration, climate change, and economic disparity, and took progressive positions on topics including LGBTQ+ rights and the abolition of the death penalty. Additionally, Pope Francis sought to tackle the Catholic Church’s sexual abuse scandals by implementing reforms and advocating for transparency. He was recognized for his simple lifestyle and his efforts to foster a more inclusive and compassionate Church. His 2015 encyclical, “Laudato Si’,” highlighted the significance of environmental care, underscoring his dedication to ecological matters.
Following his death, tributes flooded in from around the globe. King Charles III expressed profound sadness, reminiscing about a recent visit with the Pope and commending his commitment to unity and compassion. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who had met with the Pope shortly before his death, paid tribute to his impactful character and influence.In line with Pope Francis’s preferences, his funeral will be conducted in a simple manner. He is set to be laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, which will be a historic event as it marks the first instance in over a hundred years that a pope will be buried outside the Vatican. While the Vatican has put certain ceremonies on hold, including the canonization of Carlo Acutis, it has confirmed that the Jubilee celebrations will proceed as scheduled.
A papal conclave is planned to take place between May 6 and May 11, 2025, to select the successor to Pope Francis. The College of Cardinals, consisting of 135 electors who are under the age of 80, will gather in the Sistine Chapel to fulfill this important duty.
Pope Francis’s impact as a reformer and champion for the marginalized will persist in shaping the Catholic Church and its global community of followers.