Pope Francis Dies at 88 – Global Tribute to a Reforming Pontiff

The Breaking News Team | WBN News Global | April 21, 2025

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and Latin American pontiff, dies at 88, leaving a global legacy of reform, humility, and compassion.

Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, officially confirmed his death at 9:45 a.m. local time.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first Latin American and first Jesuit pope. Throughout his papacy, which began in March 2013, he championed social justice, environmental stewardship, and a more inclusive vision for the Church. His leadership was marked by a deep sense of humility, compassion, and outreach to society's most marginalized.

In the weeks preceding his passing, Pope Francis had been battling serious health issues, including a prolonged hospital stay for double pneumonia. Despite his declining health, he made one final appearance on Easter Sunday, blessing the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Tributes from around the world poured in. King Charles and Queen Camilla spoke of the Pope's unwavering compassion, recalling their recent meeting with him. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who visited the pontiff shortly before his death, remarked on his frail appearance but powerful spiritual presence.

Preparations for Pope Francis's funeral are underway. Under his wishes, he will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The Vatican has announced that the papal conclave to elect his successor will begin no earlier than May 6, 2025.

Sources:
Vatican News, Wikipedia, Wikipedia (Spanish), Wikipedia (Russian), Catholic News Agency, People.com, Business Insider, The Guardian, ITVX

ChatGPT conducted a fact-check of the article concerning the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. The information presented aligns with reports from reputable sources, including Vatican News, Reuters, and the Associated Press.

Verified Facts: ChatGPT

Date and Time of Death: Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. local time in Vatican City.
Place of Death: He died at his residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae (Casa Santa Marta) within the Vatican. Vatican News
Announcement: Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, officially announced the Pope's death. AP News
Health Before Death: Pope Francis had been hospitalized for double pneumonia earlier in the year and was released in late March. Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre
Final Public Appearance: He made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, delivering the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing from St. Peter's Basilica.
Funeral Arrangements: The Vatican has initiated traditional mourning protocols, and preparations for the funeral are underway.
Conclave: In accordance with Church protocols, a papal conclave to elect the next pope is anticipated to begin no earlier than May 6, 2025.

Note: The article mentions that Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. While some reports suggest this, official confirmation from the Vatican regarding the burial site has not been provided.

The Breaking News Team – WBN News Global

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