End of an era: Pope Francis dies at 88 after final Easter blessing

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The death of the pontiff, who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a decade, marks the end of a profoundly reformative era for global Christianity. His passing was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who stated that the Pope died peacefully at 7:35 a.m. CEST in his residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae, Vatican City. His death followed ongoing health challenges, including a prolonged hospitalisation and recent complications from double pneumonia.

Despite physical frailty in recent months, Pope Francis remained active in his spiritual duties. On Easter Sunday, just a day before his death, he made a public appearance in St. Peter’s Square, waving from the popemobile and offering blessings to the faithful, an act that now serves as a poignant farewell to his followers around the world.

What Shaped Pope Francis’s Historic Papacy?

Elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis became the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years, and the first from the Americas. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was also the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy. His background as a chemist-turned-priest shaped his scientific engagement with global crises such as climate change and environmental degradation.

From the outset, Pope Francis sought to distinguish his leadership with an emphasis on humility, inclusion, and advocacy for the marginalised. Rejecting traditional Vatican opulence, he chose to live in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace, a symbolic move that underpinned his broader vision for a simpler, more accessible Church.

He frequently addressed income inequality, migration, and the need for interfaith dialogue in a world increasingly polarised by extremism. His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, which framed climate change as a moral and spiritual challenge, marked a turning point in the Vatican’s engagement with environmental issues, earning global recognition and sparking debate even beyond the Church.

How Did Global Leaders React To The Pope’s Passing?

Tributes to Pope Francis poured in from across the world, underscoring the impact of his leadership beyond religious boundaries. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who had visited the Vatican a day before the Pope’s death, called the moment “a profound loss for humanity.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences by recalling their shared dialogue on global peace and inclusive development. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described him as “a moral compass for our time.”

In Latin America, where Pope Francis’s legacy is particularly significant, leaders reflected on his deep cultural and religious ties to the region. His advocacy for social justice, indigenous rights, and anti-corruption measures made him a revered figure across both secular and spiritual spheres. In Argentina, flags flew at half-mast, and churches across Buenos Aires held vigils in his memory.

What Are The Vatican’s Next Steps After Pope Francis’s Death?

The passing of a pope initiates a complex sequence of events within the Catholic Church, governed by centuries-old canon law. Cardinal Farrell, in his role as Camerlengo, is responsible for certifying the Pope’s death and overseeing the interregnum, the period between two papacies.

Pope Francis’s body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the public to pay their respects. His funeral is expected to take place later this week, followed by a papal conclave where eligible cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect a successor. The conclave, conducted in strict secrecy, has historically reflected shifts in global Catholic demographics and priorities.

Given Pope Francis’s progressive legacy, questions loom over whether the next pontiff will continue along the same trajectory or pivot toward more traditional stances. Analysts suggest that his appointments of cardinals from Africa, Asia, and Latin America may influence the direction of the upcoming conclave, increasing the likelihood of a non-European successor.

What Legacy Does Pope Francis Leave Behind For The Catholic Church And The World?

Pope Francis’s tenure was defined by efforts to modernise the Church while grappling with some of its deepest institutional challenges. He launched reforms aimed at increasing financial transparency in the Vatican Bank, addressed the global clergy sex abuse crisis with unprecedented public apologies and policy updates, and advocated for LGBTQ+ inclusion, albeit within the limits of Catholic doctrine.

He also used the Church’s moral platform to intervene in international politics. His mediation efforts in the restoration of U.S.-Cuba diplomatic relations in 2014 demonstrated his unique ability to navigate global diplomacy with spiritual authority. Moreover, his visits to conflict zones—from the Central African Republic to Iraq—were intended as messages of peace and solidarity in regions torn by war.

Pope Francis also redefined the papacy’s communication style. Through social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, he reached millions with messages of hope, humility, and ecological responsibility, dramatically expanding the Church’s engagement with younger generations.

While some conservatives within the Vatican hierarchy viewed his reforms with resistance, there was widespread recognition of his attempts to bring the Church closer to modern life. His endorsement of synodality—a process allowing laypeople, especially women, to participate more actively in Church governance—was hailed as a groundbreaking shift.

How Did The World Of Culture, Sport, And Civil Society Respond To His Death?

The impact of Pope Francis extended beyond religion and politics into the worlds of art, music, and sport. Italian football authorities postponed Serie A matches, including Torino vs. Udinese, as a sign of respect. Clubs like AS Roma and Lazio FC issued statements commemorating the Pope’s influence and expressing condolences to the global Catholic community.

Cultural institutions across Europe and Latin America have also announced memorial events. Churches, schools, and charities that collaborated with the Vatican on humanitarian missions have committed to continuing his work on poverty alleviation, refugee protection, and climate awareness.

In particular, Catholic aid organisations operating in conflict zones and disaster areas expressed deep gratitude for the Pope’s consistent attention to their work and the visibility he provided to humanitarian causes.

What Comes Next For A Church At A Crossroads?

The Catholic Church now faces a critical juncture. The next pope will inherit a community shaped by a decade of bold engagement with some of the world’s most pressing challenges—from social injustice and political polarisation to climate change and interfaith cooperation. Observers anticipate intense discussion within the upcoming conclave about whether to sustain Pope Francis’s reformist agenda or steer the Church toward more doctrinal conservatism.

Pope Francis’s passing not only concludes his personal journey but also closes a historic chapter in global religion. His life and papacy, rooted in humility, outreach, and moral clarity, offered a vision of the Church as an active participant in the world’s progress. As millions mourn his death, his legacy continues to guide conversations about faith, responsibility, and the role of religion in modern society.