The First Pope From The Americas Has Died
Pope Francis, 88, died the day after Easter Sunday, on Monday, April 21, 2025.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Francis — who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio — was the first pope from the New World. He was also the first pope from the Jesuit Order.
His death was announced at 9:45 a.m. (GMT+2) by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, saying:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. [At 7:35 a.m.], the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Francis’ death follows a 38-day stint in the hospital, starting in February, resulting from bronchitis and a later diagnosis of double pneumonia.
As of presstime, funeral plans have not been announced by the Vatican.
The Successor of Peter
Pope Francis became pope following the 2013 resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
His path to becoming the Bishop of Rome included his ordination as a Catholic priest in 1969, his designation as archbishop of Argentina in 1998, and elevation to cardinal in 2001.
He took his papal name from Saint Francis of Assisi, who is the patron saint of animals, the environment, and Italy.
During his papacy, he was involved in four Ordinary General, one Extraordinary General, and one Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. From these councils, apostolic exhortations were issued on subjects ranging from the Church being in a “permanent state of mission” to “vocational discernment” for young people.
On September 24, 2015, Pope Francis visited Washington, D.C., and addressed a joint session of Congress. There, he said:
“Each son or daughter of a given country has a mission, a personal and social responsibility. Your own responsibility as members of Congress is to enable this country, by your legislative activity, to grow as a nation. You are the face of its people, their representatives.”
After his remarks, he met with fellow Catholics, including then Vice President Joe Biden and then Speaker John Boehner.
Watch Pope Francis’ address to Congress here: