Pope Francis Dies Peacefully at 88, Leaving a Legacy of Compassion and Change
Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died peacefully in his residence at the Vatican, the Domus Sanctae Marthae, after suffering a stroke that led to cardiac arrest. His personal doctor confirmed that the Pope did not experience any physical suffering in his final moments. Francis had been battling health issues for some time, especially after a long hospitalization for double pneumonia earlier in the year, which had greatly weakened him. His passing marks the end of a historic and transformative papacy that lasted more than 12 years. A solemn funeral Mass was held on April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, attended by an estimated 400,000 mourners. People from all walks of life, from refugees and the poor to world leaders, gathered to pay their respects. The service was led by Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. Among the dignitaries present were U.S. President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, Ukrainian ...