Pope Francis, the 266th head of the Roman Catholic Church and the first Latin American pontiff, passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.
He died at 7:35 a.m. CEST in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City, following a prolonged illness that included a recent bout of double pneumonia.
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Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected to the papacy on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. His 12-year tenure was marked by a commitment to humility, social justice, and inclusivity.
He was known for his advocacy for the marginalized, including the poor, migrants, and the LGBTQ+ community, famously stating, “Who am I to judge?”
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Despite facing numerous health challenges, including the removal of part of a lung in his youth and recent intestinal surgeries, Pope Francis remained active in his duties.
He continued to travel and fulfill papal responsibilities, including significant visits to Asia, Eastern Europe, and Mongolia in his final years.
His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from world leaders. King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed deep sorrow, recalling their recent visit with the Pope on April 9. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, one of the last visitors to see the Pope, paid tribute to his influence and character.
What Next?
The Vatican has announced that the period of “sede vacante” has begun, and preparations for the conclave to elect the next pope are underway. According to Vatican law, the conclave can begin at the earliest on May 6, 2025, 15 days after the start of the vacancy.
Pope Francis’s funeral is expected to follow centuries-old traditions, including a period of lying in state in the Apostolic Palace chapel. He is anticipated to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, in accordance with his wishes.
As the world mourns the loss of a transformative leader, Pope Francis’s legacy of compassion, humility, and dedication to social justice will continue to inspire generations to come.
This report is developing, more details will be shared on the SkiwordNews Telegram Channel as soon as possible.
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