Pope Francis Passes on Easter Monday Marking the End of an Era
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Shamini
- . April 21, 2025
- . Update: April 21, 2025 3:15 pm
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday April 21st 2025 at Casa Santa Marta. The Vatican confirmed the death at 7:35 AM local time by complications from double pneumonia related to a prolonged respiratory illness.
Pope Francis was elected as the leader of the Catholic Church in 2013 and became the first Latin American pope. His papacy lasted for 12 years and emphasized the themes of social justice. He even chose to stay and live in simple Casa Santa Marta rather than the grand Apostolic Palace because of his simple nature.
During his reign, Francis promoted the poor, addressed climate change and urged the elimination of the death penalty. He also dealt with internal Church matters such as seeking transparency and reform.
In spite of having health difficulties, such as lung complications from his early life and recent hospitalizations, Pope Francis continued to keep up with his work. His last public outing was on Easter Sunday in which he gave the Urbi et Orbi blessing from a wheelchair, speaking about world conflicts and calling for peace.
With his death, the Catholic Church goes into sede vacante until a new pope is chosen. Pope Francis has left behind a deep legacy of compassion, reform and unshakable faith in the Gospel.
