Pope Francis, the beloved reformer who led the Catholic Church through a turbulent era, died Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke. His death marks the end of a historic papacy that reshaped conversations around faith, politics, and global solidarity.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was the first pope from Latin America—and the first Jesuit to hold the position. He spent 12 years as the Bishop of Rome, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, controversy, and undeniable global influence.
Cardinals Convene as Vatican Sets Funeral Procession in Motion
The Vatican confirmed that cardinals will gather today, April 22, to lay out the plans for the Pope’s funeral. The logistics are massive. His body is expected to lie in state for several days in St. Peter’s Basilica, giving faithful Catholics around the world a final opportunity to pay their respects.
In line with Church tradition, the College of Cardinals will also begin informal discussions ahead of next month’s conclave, where they’ll vote in secrecy to elect his successor.
Only 18 months ago, Pope Francis was reflecting publicly on death and legacy.
Now, the Church must face those questions without him.
India Declares Three-Day State Mourning
India, where Christianity remains a minority religion yet historically rooted, announced a national three-day mourning period in respect for Pope Francis. The Indian flag will fly at half-mast from Tuesday through Thursday, and there will be no official entertainment or celebrations during that time.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a brief but respectful statement early Tuesday morning.
This level of mourning is rarely extended beyond national figures. But in this case, it reflects the broader reverence Pope Francis commanded—even in countries where Catholics are few.
One government official said off the record, “He was more than a religious leader. He was a statesman. A voice of peace.”
A Final Public Message: A Plea for Gaza
In what would be his final public appearance, Pope Francis delivered an emotional Easter message from the window of the Apostolic Palace on Sunday, April 20. He had looked visibly frail but determined. His focus? An urgent call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“Let weapons fall silent,” he had said in Italian, addressing both Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
That moment now reads like a farewell—one final plea for global unity.
His voice cracked, but his message was crystal clear.
From Buenos Aires to the Vatican: A Remarkable Rise
Born in Argentina in 1936, Jorge Mario Bergoglio grew up in a working-class family. Before taking his vows, he briefly worked as a nightclub bouncer and chemistry technician. It’s that humble origin story that many believe grounded his papacy in realism and empathy.
He was elected pope in March 2013 following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. That alone broke centuries of tradition.
What followed was no less surprising.
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He opened Church discussions on LGBTQ+ inclusion, although still tied to doctrine
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He criticized capitalism’s failures with blistering honesty
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He cracked down on Vatican corruption, albeit with mixed results
And he did it all while choosing to live in a modest guesthouse rather than the lavish papal apartments.
Timeline of Final Days: From Hospital to Holy See
Let’s take a quick look at the key dates leading up to his death.
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| Feb 14, 2025 | Admitted to Gemelli Hospital with bronchitis |
| Mar 23, 2025 | Discharged after over a month of treatment |
| Apr 20, 2025 | Delivered final public address on Easter Sunday |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Suffered fatal stroke and entered coma |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Declared dead due to stroke and heart failure |
Doctors at Gemelli said the stroke caused “irreversible cardiac collapse,” and the Pope died peacefully.
His passing was announced by Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni around 10:30 p.m. local time.
Reactions Pour In From Global Leaders
World leaders didn’t wait long to express condolences. U.S. President Kamala Harris called Pope Francis “a force for peace.” French President Emmanuel Macron praised him as “a moral compass in unstable times.”
Even critics acknowledged the influence he wielded.
Some of the key reactions included:
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres: “A giant of humanity has fallen.”
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz: “A reformer whose courage will echo.”
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South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa: “He gave voice to the poor and voiceless.”
One-liner tributes flooded social media. #PopeFrancis trended globally within minutes.
What Happens Next? Conclave Countdown Begins
Per Vatican tradition, a conclave to elect the next pope will begin within 15 to 20 days. The Sistine Chapel will be sealed. Black smoke will rise until white smoke signals the election of a new pope.
There’s no clear frontrunner yet.
Some insiders speculate about Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy. Others believe the Church may swing back to Africa or Asia for its next leader. Either way, the decision will carry enormous geopolitical and theological implications.
