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6d ago

Pope Francis Dies at 88, Marking End of a Transformative Pontificate

The Vatican confirms his passing and begins the sede vacante period, with funeral rites and a conclave to follow.

Le pape François lors de sa traditionnelle bénédiction «Urbi et orbi» sur le balcon de la basilique Saint-Pierre, dimanche 20 avril 2025.
Le corps du pape émérite Benoît XVI exposé dans la basilique Saint Pierre du Vatican, le 3 janvier 2023.
Le pape François est mort à l’âge de 88 ans.
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Overview

  • Pope Francis passed away early on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, following a prolonged battle with double pneumonia.
  • Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo, officially announced the death at 7:35 AM, initiating the sede vacante period of Church governance.
  • Nine days of funeral rites will precede the conclave, which is expected to convene in 15–20 days to elect the next pope.
  • Francis had expressed a wish to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, breaking with tradition of papal interment at St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • Global leaders, including Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen, praised his legacy of compassion, interfaith dialogue, and advocacy for the marginalized.