Mon Apr 21 08:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Pope Francis Dies at 88, Ending 12-Year Papacy
**Vatican City** – Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a globally influential figure, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 88 on Monday morning, the Vatican announced. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Dean of the College of Cardinals, confirmed the news in a video statement, describing the Pope’s life as one “dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
His death concludes a 12-year papacy during which he led over a billion Catholics worldwide, championing church reform and social justice. The announcement immediately triggers the process for electing his successor.
Pope Francis had been hospitalized in February for respiratory difficulties and a confirmed case of bilateral pneumonia. While he recovered sufficiently to return to the Vatican’s Santa Marta residence, medical teams cautioned that his advanced age and weakened condition would require a lengthy recovery period. Despite this, he participated in Easter celebrations just the day before his death, appearing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires to Italian immigrants, he rose through the ranks of the Catholic Church, becoming Pope in 2013. His papacy was marked by numerous significant events, including his early visit to Lampedusa to highlight the plight of migrants, his correspondence with Chinese President Xi Jinping, his historic visit to the United States and address to Congress, and his consistent advocacy for the marginalized. He received numerous accolades during his tenure, including being named the world’s most powerful person by Forbes magazine. The selection process to elect his successor will now begin.
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