Pope Francis Dies at 88 After Final Easter Blessing

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff whose humble approach and concern for the marginalized reshaped the modern papacy, died Monday morning at the Vatican. He was 88. The pontiff’s death came just one day after he appeared in St. Peter’s Square to deliver his Easter blessing, marking a poignant final public appearance.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” announced Cardinal Kevin Farrell from the Chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis chose to live throughout his papacy, according to AP News.

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A Final Easter Among the Faithful

Despite his frail condition, Francis insisted on participating in Easter celebrations, blessing thousands from the same loggia where he first greeted the world as pope in 2013. He later toured St. Peter’s Square in his popemobile, stopping several times to greet the faithful who cheered “viva il papa.”

The day before his death, Francis met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican. Vance shared his condolences on social media, noting: “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill,” according to USA Today.

From Buenos Aires to St. Peter’s

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, to Italian immigrant parents, Francis rose through the ranks of the Jesuit order in his native Argentina. His early career was marked by controversy during Argentina’s “dirty war,” when he was accused of not doing enough to protect priests from the military junta – accusations he denied.

Before becoming pope, Bergoglio was known as the “slum pope” for his work in Buenos Aires’ poorest neighborhoods. This commitment to the marginalized would become a hallmark of his papacy after his election on March 13, 2013, as the 266th pope and the first from the Americas.

“The pope of the poor has left us, the pope of the marginalized,” said Jorge Garcia Cuerva, the current archbishop of Buenos Aires, referring to Francis’ time working in the city’s impoverished districts.

A Revolutionary Papacy

Francis’ 12-year papacy was defined by efforts to reform the Vatican and make the Catholic Church more inclusive. He lived in the Vatican hotel rather than the Apostolic Palace, wore his old orthotic shoes instead of the traditional red loafers, and rode in compact cars – symbolic gestures that reflected his vision of “a church that is poor and for the poor.”

“I see the church as a field hospital after battle,” Francis told a Jesuit journal in 2013, signaling his focus on healing and mercy rather than dogmatic adherence to rules.

His reform efforts included allowing women to vote in church synods and serve in previously restricted roles, though he maintained the all-male priesthood. He opened dialogue on issues like homosexuality and divorce, famously responding “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gay priests, according to Fox News.

Health Struggles and Final Days

Francis, who had part of his right lung removed as a young man due to pneumonia, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. His 38-day hospitalization was the longest of his papacy.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the pope’s physicians, revealed that two weeks into the hospitalization, the medical team had to decide whether to “stop and let him go or force it and try all the drugs and therapies possible.” The pope’s health assistant instructed them to “try everything, don’t give up.”

Though released on March 23, Francis never fully recovered. His final public appearance at Easter, where he was unable to read his own text and delegated it to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, showed his determination to fulfill his papal duties despite his declining health.

World Leaders Pay Tribute

Condolences poured in from around the world following Francis’ death. President Donald Trump wrote on social media: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”

French President Emmanuel Macron praised the pope’s commitment to the marginalized, writing that “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the church to bring joy and hope to the poorest.”

As bells tolled in churches from Argentina to the Philippines and across Rome, crowds began gathering in St. Peter’s Square. The Vatican announced that Francis’ body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday for the faithful to pay their respects, with funeral arrangements to follow.

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