Pope Francis Dies at 88, Four Weeks After Hospital Discharge
Pope Francis, the 266th head of the Roman Catholic Church and the first Jesuit pope, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, just four weeks after being discharged from the hospital following a serious illness. The Vatican confirmed that he died peacefully at 7:35 AM local time at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, following a prolonged illness.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Pope Francis made history in 2013 when he was elected as the first Latin American, first Jesuit, and first non-European pope in more than a millennium. Over the course of his 12-year papacy, he became known for his humble demeanor, progressive reforms, and determination to modernize a Church often caught between tradition and change.
Despite facing numerous health issues in recent years, including a severe case of double pneumonia earlier in 2025, Pope Francis continued his papal duties.
His tenure as pope was marked by a focus on inclusivity, social justice, and environmental stewardship. He frequently called for compassion toward the marginalized and urged the Church to embrace reform in the face of modern global challenges.
