Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, passed away on April 21, 2025, at 88. He died in Vatican City at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, after a long battle with health issues, including recent treatment for double pneumonia.
Pope Francis had been in the hospital multiple times in 2025, receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia and respiratory complications. But he continued to fulfill his duties, delivering his final Easter address a day before his death and meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on Easter Sunday.
His death marks the end of a papacy that began in 2013. He was the first Latin American and Jesuit pope. Francis was known for his progressive stances on issues like advocating for climate action, promoting interfaith dialogue and supporting migrants.
“He doesn’t have a divine meaning to me, but I think he’s important to the church because he helps with political issues around the world,” senior Cesar Baez said.
In March 2013, after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Jorge Bergoglio was elected as the 266th pope of the Catholic Church. He chose the name Francis, inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, who was known for his care for the poor and his love of nature. This name reflected the new pope’s focus on humility, social justice, and protecting the environment.
“I think his death will have a big impact in the world, because the Pope was more progressive, and he put lots of changes around the world, such as people being allowed to be divorced, and things such as gay marriage are more normalized,” Baez said.
Following his death, tributes poured in from around the world, highlighting his legacy of compassion and commitment to social justice. King Charles III of the United Kingdom expressed deep sorrow, reflecting on their final meeting just days before the Pope’s passing
The Vatican has announced that a conclave will be convened to elect a new pope. In the interim, Cardinal Kevin Farrell has assumed the role of camerlengo, overseeing the administration of the Holy See.
“If it’s a more progressive pope that’s elected, then I think it is going to stay the same, but if it’s a more conservative Pope, then I think there’s going to be reversals on the progress he made,” Baez said.
