On Monday, April 21st, Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at 88 years old. The Vatican confirmed his death, marking the end of a 12-year papacy that transformed the global Church with his focus on social justice, peace, and support for the marginalized.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Pope Francis made history in 2013 by becoming the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit pope. Known for his humility, he chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, embodying simplicity and compassion. Throughout his papacy, he advocated for a more inclusive Church, focusing on the needs of the poor, migrants, and refugees. His stances on climate change, economic inequality, and peace in conflict zones often clashed with more traditional elements within the Church, yet he gained global respect.
Pope Francis implemented significant reforms, such as advocating for a Church that is more community-oriented and increasing the role of women in decision-making. He also criticized politicians he believed neglected vulnerable groups, especially migrants. In his final public speech, given just hours before his death, he called for an end to wars in places like Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, reaffirming his commitment to peace.
Following his passing, the Vatican must now find his successor. The “conclave” process will involve the College of Cardinals, the senior clergy responsible for choosing the next pope. This gathering will take place after a period of mourning. Cardinals under 80 will meet privately in the Sistine Chapel to vote. A new pope will require a two-thirds majority, and the voting process could take days or weeks, depending on the consensus. Once a decision is made, white smoke will rise from the chapel, signaling the election of a new pontiff.
The death of Pope Francis has left a significant void in the Catholic Church’s leadership, leading to an outpouring of condolences from leaders worldwide. U.S. President Donald Trump shared on Truth Social, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” It is unclear whether President Trump plans to travel to Rome for the pope’s funeral, with Press Secretary Karoline Levitt not ruling out the possibility. The last president to attend a pope’s funeral was George W. Bush, who was present for John Paul II’s service.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed on X, “I join Catholics worldwide in mourning the loss of Pope Francis. He embodied the values Christ taught us every day: Helping the less fortunate, calling for peace, and ensuring every person is treated as a child of God. We should all strive to carry on his legacy.”
