Overview

• Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. in his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, following ongoing health struggles.
• The Vatican confirmed his death, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell announcing, 'The Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.'
• As the first Jesuit and Latin American pope, Francis led a 12-year papacy characterized by reforms emphasizing humility, social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities.
• The Vatican is observing a nine-day mourning period, with simplified funeral rites per Francis's wishes; he will be buried at the Mary Major, breaking with recent tradition.
• The College of Cardinals will soon convene for a conclave in the Sistine Chapel to elect the 267th pope, with many of the electors appointed by Francis himself.