Overview

• Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m., following a prolonged battle with respiratory illness.
• Cardinal Kevin Farrell officially announced his death, commending Francis for his dedication to Gospel values and advocacy for the marginalized.
• World leaders, including Donald Trump and Joe Biden, paid tribute, with Biden calling him 'the People’s Pope' and lauding his commitment to social justice and environmental stewardship.
• Francis, the first Jesuit and Latin American pope, led the Catholic Church for 12 years, championing interfaith dialogue and poverty alleviation.
• The Vatican has entered a nine-day mourning period, with funeral rites and preparations for a conclave to elect his successor underway.