21.04.2025 11:11
The Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and the Head of State of the Vatican. Pope Francis, who was 88 years old, had been struggling with health issues in recent times.
The spiritual leader of Catholics, Pope Francis, has passed away after a prolonged illness.
VATICAN CONFIRMED THE DEATH NEWS
In a video statement released by the Vatican, the death of Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, was confirmed. The Pope passed away at 07:35 local time this morning.
MET WITH THE U.S. VICE PRESIDENT YESTERDAY
Pope Francis, 88 years old, had experienced various health issues during his 12-year papacy. The Catholic leader had met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who visited the Vatican just a day before his death.
WHO IS POPE FRANCIS?
Pope Francis, whose real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The child of an Italian immigrant worker family, Bergoglio received Catholic education at a young age and began his religious life by joining the Jesuit Order.
Throughout his education, Bergoglio studied philosophy and theology and worked as a chemical technician for a while. After being ordained as a priest in 1969, he quickly rose within the Jesuit community. He became a bishop in 1992 and the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. In 2001, he was declared a cardinal by Pope John Paul II.
A HISTORICAL FIRST
On March 13, 2013, he was elected as the new spiritual leader of the Catholic world during the conclave held after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. With this election, he achieved many firsts in the history of the Catholic Church:
• The first Latin American Pope
• The first Jesuit Pope
• The first Pope elected from outside Europe
• The first Pope to take the name "Francis." He chose this name inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, a symbol of poverty and peace.
PAPACY AND REFORMS
Pope Francis's 11-year tenure was a period of significant spiritual and social changes for the Catholic Church.
• He took a clear stance against sexual abuse scandals within the Church, calling for transparency and accountability.
• He adopted a more inclusive approach towards LGBTQ+ individuals and migrants.
• He initiated efforts to increase the roles of women and lay individuals within the Church.
• He published encyclicals highlighting issues such as environmental protection, combating climate change, poverty, and justice.
• In 2018, he made a significant change in Church doctrine by declaring that the death penalty is completely unacceptable.
• He strengthened transparency and oversight mechanisms in the Vatican's financial structure.
HEALTH STATUS AND DEATH
Pope Francis began to experience serious health issues in his later years. He was hospitalized in early 2025 with a severe pneumonia and bronchitis diagnosis. Although he was discharged in March, his health never fully recovered. On the morning of April 21, 2025, he passed away at the age of 88 in his residence in the Vatican. The news of his death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo.