Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died peacefully at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, at 08:35 SAST on Monday, 21 April 2025. He was 88 years old.
Pope Francis dies: What’s the cause of death?
The Vatican confirmed his death in a statement delivered by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, noting, “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
The Holy See stated that Pope Francis had been under medical care for chronic lung problems, including bilateral pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection — a condition involving multiple strains of bacteria.
In the weeks leading up to his death, he was hospitalised but returned to the Vatican in March under “protected discharge.”
He had made several public appearances, including his final one on Easter Sunday, where he greeted crowds from a wheelchair in St Peter’s Square.
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis had been steadily recovering and was in good spirits, continuing to lead Mass and meet officials until his health took a final turn.
Pope Francis biography
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on 17 December 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He joined the Jesuit order in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969.
Rising through the ranks, he became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was named a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II.
He was elected Pope on 13 March 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Francis became the first Pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit Pope, and the first non-European to lead the Catholic Church since 741 AD.
His papacy was marked by his humble approach to leadership and his focus on social justice.
He rejected the luxury of the traditional papal apartments, choosing instead to reside in a guesthouse.
He was widely respected for his emphasis on compassion, climate action, interfaith dialogue, and efforts to modernise aspects of the Church.
Pope Francis also made global headlines for advocating the decriminalisation of homosexuality, calling for refugee protection, and opposing capital punishment.
He spearheaded significant reforms in church governance and made moves toward more inclusion of women within church leadership structures.
He died during his twelfth year as Pope and will be remembered as one of the most transformative pontiffs of the modern era.
Reactions to Pope Francis’s death
As the world comes to terms with the loss of Pope Francis, tributes are expected to flood in from global leaders, religious figures, and faithful followers.
The Vatican has confirmed that instead of the traditional public viewing on a raised platform, mourners will be allowed to pay respects while his body remains in a simple wooden coffin with the lid removed.
The Pope will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major, making him the first in over a century to be laid to rest outside the Vatican.
Here are some of the reactions we picked from social media:
