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Date Published: 21/04/2025

Pope Francis dies aged 88

The Pope has passed away, leaving a 12-year legacy of dialogue, simplicity and reform

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, has died this Monday April 21, 2025 – Easter Monday – at the age of 88, following complications from pneumonia. He passed away at 7.35am in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, the modest lodging he chose instead of the traditional Apostolic Palace in the Vatican in Rome.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camarlengo, made the announcement: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house. His entire life has been dedicated to the service of the Lord and his Church.”

Just a day earlier, the pontiff had made his final public appearance from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, where he delivered the traditional Easter Sunday Urbi et Orbi blessing.

The people’s pope

Francis’ 12-year papacy was marked by efforts to modernise and humanise the Catholic Church. He reorganised the Roman Curia, strengthened protections for minors, expanded the roles of women and laypeople in Church governance, and fostered a more inclusive tone towards the LGBTI community. He was also known for his commitment to interfaith dialogue, meeting with Muslim, Jewish and Buddhist leaders throughout his tenure.

Renowned for his humility, Francis consistently avoided the grandeur of papal life. He lived in a guesthouse rather than a palace, used simple transport, and often embraced the poor and marginalised, even going so far as to wash the feet of prisoners, refugees and women during Holy Week rituals.

However, his leadership was not without criticism. He faced scrutiny over the Church’s handling of sexual abuse cases and his perceived ambiguity on certain doctrinal issues. Nonetheless, his advocacy for the environment, migrants and social justice shaped his global legacy.

Spanish leaders pay tribute

The news of Pope Francis’ death triggered an outpouring of condolences from around the world, including Spain. President Pedro Sánchez expressed his sorrow, stating: “His commitment to peace, social justice and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. May he rest in peace.”

In Madrid, regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso announced the pope’s death from Plaza de Colón, where a minute’s silence was observed.

“We would like to convey our condolences and my own. The condolences of the entire Government of the Community of Madrid to the 1.4 billion Catholics around the world for the death of Pope Francis,” she said.

Spain has officially announced three days of mourning. Approximately 52% of the Spanish population identifies as Catholic, making up the largest religious group, though many of them are not actively practising and the share of people identifying as Catholic is going down.

The Vatican enters a period of mourning

As per Vatican protocol, a detailed and time-honoured process was immediately set into motion following Francis’ death. Cardinal Farrell, as camarlengo, will oversee the Church’s day-to-day affairs during the period known as Sede Vacante – the interregnum until a new pope is elected. While he holds administrative power, he is not permitted to make doctrinal decisions.

The pope’s body will lie in state at St Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful and dignitaries from across the globe are expected to pay their respects. The official mourning period, known as the ‘Novemdiales’, will last nine days and include liturgical ceremonies and commemorations.

The pope’s funeral will be held in St Peter’s Basilica. Since the election of Pope John Paul II in 1978, Spanish monarchs have been present at the pope’s funeral.

The road to the next pope

The process to elect the next pope will consist of a conclave held in the Sistine Chapel, in which the College of Cardinals – those under the age of 80 – participate in a highly secretive event to cast votes until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority.

From Spain, three cardinals are eligible to vote and stand a chance of becoming pope themselves.

See also: Could the next pope be Spanish?

Once a cardinal accepts the papacy, he will choose a papal name and don the traditional white vestments before being introduced to the world from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.

The death of Pope Francis marks the end of a distinctive era in the history of the Catholic Church: one characterised by outreach, compassion and reform.

As the Church enters a period of reflection and anticipation, Catholics and observers worldwide look to the conclave with hope and uncertainty about the direction of its next chapter.

Image: Vatican

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