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Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and its first Latin American leader, passed away on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88. He died at 07:35 CEST in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae within Vatican City. The Vatican announced his death through a video statement delivered by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. Wikipedia+4The Guardian+4Business Insider+4Cadena SER+7Wikipedia+7Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre+7
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 17 December 1936, Pope Francis was elected to the papacy on 13 March 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His tenure was marked by a commitment to humility, social justice, and inclusivity. He was known for his progressive stances on various issues, including climate change, economic inequality, and outreach to marginalized communities. His 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship. AP News+3Cadena SER+3Business Insider+3Business Insider+2AP News+2Time+2Time
Pope Francis’s health had been a concern in recent years. In February 2025, he was hospitalized with double pneumonia and remained under medical care for 38 days—the longest hospitalization of his papacy. Despite his health challenges, he made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, 20 April 2025, blessing the faithful from a wheelchair in St. Peter’s Square. AP NewsThe Guardian+1AP News+1
Following his death, the Vatican has entered a period of mourning, with funeral arrangements underway. In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis is expected to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. A papal conclave to elect his successor is anticipated to commence between 6 and 11 May 2025, as stipulated by the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis. Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1Wikipédia, l’encyclopédie libre+1Wikipedia+1
Global leaders and religious figures have expressed their condolences, highlighting Pope Francis’s dedication to compassion, interfaith dialogue, and service to the poor. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the Catholic Church.The Guardian
