Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City. His death occurred just one day after he led the Easter Mass and delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing.
The somber news was announced by the Camerlengo of the Vatican, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who stated that Pope Francis died at 7:35 a.m. local time. Vatican News, the official media outlet of the Holy See, confirmed the Pope’s passing and expressed condolences on behalf of the Church and its faithful around the world.
In his final Easter homily, Pope Francis issued a heartfelt plea for global peace and a ceasefire in Gaza. He emphasized the necessity of upholding human dignity and compassion, especially amid the suffering caused by genocide.
At the age of 88, Pope Francis had devoted his life to serving God and the Church. Throughout his papacy, he preached the Gospel with unwavering faith, courage, and universal love—particularly for the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten.
Pope Francis: Tireless Messenger of Peace
Remembered as a relentless advocate for peace, Pope Francis leaves behind a profound legacy of compassion and dialogue. Throughout his 12-year pontificate, he championed reconciliation and nonviolence through his words, actions, and missionary journeys to conflict-ridden regions.
Among his most powerful gestures was in 2019, when he knelt to kiss the feet of South Sudanese leaders, urging them to end their civil war and choose peace. This symbolic act was followed by an official visit to South Sudan in 2023, reinforcing his commitment to unity and healing.
Pope Francis was also an outspoken critic of nuclear weapons, calling their existence immoral and advocating for global disarmament. He condemned the arms trade that profits from human suffering, underscoring the ethical failures behind such exploitation.
His apostolic visits—including to Iraq in 2021 and Timor-Leste in 2024—demonstrated his resolve to bring messages of hope and peace to those most affected by violence and displacement. Even in the final weeks of his life, while hospitalized, he continued to call for ceasefires and peaceful negotiations in war-torn regions like the Middle East and Gaza.
Pope Francis’s legacy transcends efforts to stop war. It is a call to uphold justice, foster dialogue, and build a global sense of fraternity. He envisioned a world where the powerful do not forget the vulnerable, and where peace is pursued not merely as an absence of conflict but as a presence of justice, dignity, and love for all.
- Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, after leading Easter Mass and delivering the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
- His death was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell at 7:35 a.m. local time, eliciting condolences from the Church.
- At age 88, he championed peace, dignity, and compassion, especially for the marginalized.
- His legacy includes advocating against nuclear weapons and promoting reconciliation through impactful gestures and visits to conflict zones.
Pope Francis Dies After Easter Blessing
Official Confirmation and Global Mourning
A Life of Compassion and Service
Legacy of Peace and Reconciliation
