​ Pope Francis, the first pope from Latin America, died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He passed away from a stroke and heart problems. People all over the world are honoring him, and the Vatican has started the process to choose a new pope. Pope Francis' body laid in state at St. Peter's Basilica starting on Wednesday, April 23 to allow the faithful to pay their respects. His funeral Mass was Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. Following his wishes, he was buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, making him the first pope to be interred outside the Vatican since 1903.

World leaders have shown respect for Pope Francis, calling him a kind and strong moral leader. President Trump and Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, among other world leaders, attended his funeral. 

Many countries lowered their flags, and people around the world held events to remember him. Pope Francis made caring for the planet, helping migrants, and promoting peace through dialogue the core values of his leadership. He was a bold and powerful figure whose efforts to bring change often met resistance from within the Catholic Church and outside political forces. His passing is likely to spark important discussions about the future direction of the Church. 

Prior to entering into the priesthood, some people knew him as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who once held a gig as a nightclub bouncer in Buenos Aires. After a serious illness when he was in his 20s, he committed himself to the Jesuits and later became ordained as a Catholic priest in 1969. He stated publicly that his background as a bouncer and recovery from serious illness gave him a unique perspective and helped him to connect with different people. It showed he understood their struggles and emphasized compassion and outreach as a Church leader.