The Vatican Confirms Death of Pope Francis, Aged 88

The Vatican Confirms Death of Pope Francis, Aged 88

Ardee News and Sport – The Vatican Confirms Death of Pope Francis, Aged 88

Vatican City – April 21, 2025

The Vatican has confirmed the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, marking the end of a historic papacy that broke centuries of precedent and inspired millions around the world.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013. He was the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first to take the name Francis — a tribute to St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the poor and a symbol of humility and reform.

In a solemn announcement early this morning, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said, “With deep sorrow, we announce that His Holiness Pope Francis passed away peacefully in the Apostolic Palace late last night, surrounded by close aides and members of the papal household. The Church mourns a shepherd of the people, a voice for the marginalized, and a man of deep compassion and courage.”

During his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis became known for his emphasis on mercy, simplicity, and social justice. He championed causes such as climate action, interfaith dialogue, and economic equity. His groundbreaking 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ called for urgent environmental stewardship and reshaped the Catholic approach to global ecological crises.

Pope Francis was also a reformer, striving to bring greater transparency and accountability to the Vatican’s financial affairs and advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate Church. He frequently spoke out against clerical abuse, though his handling of some scandals was met with both praise and criticism.

He traveled extensively, visiting over 50 countries and becoming a global moral voice in an increasingly divided world. Known for his warmth and humility, he often eschewed traditional papal luxuries in favor of a simpler lifestyle, famously choosing to live in the modest Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace.

Tributes have poured in from world leaders, religious figures, and ordinary faithful across the globe. UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised Francis as “a tireless advocate for peace and dignity.” U.S. President Kamala Harris called him “a beacon of compassion and hope,” while Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said, “The world has lost a spiritual giant.”

The Vatican has announced that funeral arrangements are underway, with details to be shared in the coming days. As per tradition, the College of Cardinals will convene in the coming weeks to begin preparations for a conclave to elect Pope Francis’s successor.

Flags at the Vatican and in Catholic institutions around the world have been lowered to half-mast as a period of mourning begins.

Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of empathy, humility, and courageous leadership — a papacy defined not by dogma, but by the embrace of humanity.