Habuimus Papam... Pope Francis, the Vatican's last pontiff, has died at the age of 88. The death occurred on April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m., as announced by the Vatican camerlingue in a press release. The Pope's death comes the day after Easter, when he appeared weakened, but assured the Vatican of a Happy Easter message (but not the urbi et orbi). The Pope, who was very ill, had been hospitalized for several days last March for respiratory problems that had been growing steadily worse.
Pope Francis, whose real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Born into a modest family of Italian immigrants, he was ordained a priest in 1969, before becoming bishop in 1992, then archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. His pastoral commitment, centered on the defense of human rights and the fight against poverty, has earned him great renown in Argentina and beyond. On March 13, 2013, he was elected Pope, succeeding Benedict XVI, thus becoming the first Pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to hold this office.
Pope Francis ' pontificate has been marked by his determination to reform the Church, notably by combating financial scandals and sexual abuse. He has also worked to bring different religions closer together, promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Pope Francis has also distinguished himself by his humble and close approach to the faithful, rejecting the traditional pomp of the pontifical office and insisting on mercy and compassion for those most in need.
Among his other achievements, Jorge Mario Bergoglio obtained a degree in chemistry from theUniversity of Buenos Aires before taking Holy Orders, and also worked as a nightclub bouncer in a squalid establishment in Córdoba to pay for his studies. Pope Francis will go down in history as an extraordinary spiritual leader, whose simplicity and humanity touched millions of believers and non-believers around the world. His death leaves a great void, but his legacy and message of love and peace will continue to inspire future generations.
