Overview

• Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, passed away on Easter Monday at 7:35 AM in his Vatican residence after a prolonged illness.
• His body will lie in state in an open coffin at St. Peter’s Basilica, with burial planned at Santa Maria Maggiore per his personal request, departing from recent tradition.
• The Vatican confirmed that a conclave of cardinals under age 80 will convene within 20 days in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope, beginning the sede vacante phase.
• World leaders, including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, mourned his passing, highlighting his advocacy for peace, social justice, and the marginalized.
• Pope Francis' 12-year tenure was marked by his humility, environmental activism, and reform efforts, though some initiatives, like addressing gender equality and clerical abuse, faced criticism for limited progress.