VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a champion of the poor and marginalized, has died at the age of 88. He passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
Francis had been in poor health for several years, struggling with respiratory issues that had required hospitalization in recent months. He was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Feb. 14 with bronchitis and later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.
As pope, Francis had been known for his humility, compassion and commitment to serving the world’s most vulnerable populations. His death marks a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church.
Francis was elected pope in 2013, becoming the first Jesuit to hold the office. He had undergone surgery in his youth to remove part of his right lung due to a severe infection.
Details on funeral arrangements are expected to be announced.