Pope Francis, 88, dies on Easter Monday
First pontiff from South America, Pope Francis brought a new voice to the Vatican
DUBAI: Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88.
The Vatican announced his passing on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 07:35 CEST, at his residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
His death comes just a day after he appeared in St. Peter's Square to deliver Easter greetings to thousands of worshippers.
Global mourning
The announcement of Pope Francis's death has elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from around the world.
UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended his deepest condolences to Catholics around the world on the passing of Pope Francis, "who dedicated his life to promoting the principles of peaceful coexistence and understanding."
I extend my deepest condolences to Catholics around the world on the passing of Pope Francis, who dedicated his life to promoting the principles of peaceful coexistence and understanding. May he rest in peace.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) April 21, 2025
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai expressed his sadness over the passing of Pope Francis. "His legacy of humility and interfaith unity will continue to inspire many communities around the world," he said in a post on social media.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis @Pontifex , a great leader whose compassion and commitment to peace touched countless lives. His legacy of humility and interfaith unity will continue to inspire many communities around the world . pic.twitter.com/5LwoJq2Hxr
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 21, 2025
French President Emmanuel Macron described him as a "man of humility" whose warmth touched millions.
De Buenos Aires à Rome, le Pape François voulait que l’Église apporte la joie et l’espoir aux plus pauvres. Qu’elle unisse les Hommes entre eux et avec la nature. Puisse cette espérance ressusciter sans cesse au-delà de lui.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 21, 2025
À tous les Catholiques,… pic.twitter.com/oFKBJwaweH
Germany’s Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz expressed deep sadness, highlighting Francis's commitment to justice and reconciliation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that the pope "inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love for the less fortunate."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated he was "deeply pained" by the passing of the pope, remembering him as a beacon of compassion and spiritual courage.
Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the… pic.twitter.com/QKod5yTXrB
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2025
US Vice President JD Vance, who met with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, shared his condolences, recalling the pope's beautiful homily during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vance noted that despite being visibly ill, the pope was happy to see him and the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square.
Final days
In the days leading up to his death, Pope Francis remained active in his ministry. He participated in the celebration of Easter, the high point of the Christian calendar, making brief appearances over the weekend. On Holy Thursday, he spent 30 minutes at a prison in Rome, and on Saturday evening, he visited St. Peter’s Basilica. On Easter Sunday, he offered the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to the city of Rome and the world, while an aide read his address. Later, he greeted cheering crowds in St. Peter’s Square from the popemobile, marking his first such appearance since his hospitalisation.
Who was Pope Francis?
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope in history. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969 and became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. He was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Bergoglio was elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, choosing the name Francis in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Pope Francis was known for his humility, emphasis on God's mercy, and commitment to interreligious dialogue. He chose to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace. His papacy was marked by efforts to reform the Church, including tackling elitist mentalities among the clergy, demanding a compassionate approach to divorced and gay Catholics, and insisting that the Church welcome everyone. He also took measures to address financial corruption.
Francis expanded the role of women in Vatican administration and opened the door for blessings for same-sex couples. However, critics argue his reforms did not go far enough to address deep-rooted institutional challenges.
Who will be the next Pope?
With the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church enters a period known as "sede vacante" (the seat being vacant). Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will oversee the day-to-day affairs of the Church until a new pope is elected. The pope's body will lie in state for three days at St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a funeral and burial. Pope Francis had expressed a wish to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, rather than the Vatican crypt.
The College of Cardinals will convene in a conclave to elect the next pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, and the conclave must begin between 15 and 20 days after the pope's death. During the conclave, electors are secluded in the Sistine Chapel until a new pontiff is chosen. A two-thirds majority is typically required for election; if after 12 days no pope is elected, a simple majority suffices. White smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney will signal a successful vote, and the new pope will be introduced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the proclamation, “Habemus Papam!”
Speculation about Pope Francis's successor includes several prominent cardinals. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State; Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana; and Cardinal Luis Tagle of the Philippines are among those frequently mentioned. Other potential candidates include Cardinals Matteo Zuppi, Gerhard Müller, Angelo Scola, Raymond Burke, and Robert Sarah.