Pope Francis Dies at 88; Funeral Scheduled for April 26
Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died at his residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae within Vatican City. The Vatican confirmed that the cause was a stroke leading to irreversible cardiac arrest. His death followed a recent hospitalization for double pneumonia.
Funeral Arrangements
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’s funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. local time (0800 GMT) in St. Peter’s Square. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the Requiem Mass. Prior to the funeral, the Pope’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica from Wednesday through Friday, allowing the faithful to pay their respects
A Humble Farewell
In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, deviating from the traditional burial site within St. Peter’s Basilica. He requested a simple wooden coffin lined with zinc, foregoing the customary triple coffin and other elaborate funeral rites. His tomb will bear only the inscription
Global Mourning and Tributes
The Pope’s death has elicited condolences from around the world. National mourning periods have been declared in several countries, including Italy, Spain, and Poland. Dignitaries such as U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are expected to attend the funeral.
Legacy of Pope Francis
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to ascend to the papacy. His tenure was marked by efforts to modernize the Church, advocate for marginalized communities, and address issues such as climate change and social justice. He was also known for his commitment to transparency and reform within the Vatican.
Succession Process
Following the Pope’s death, the Church has entered a nine-day mourning period known as the “novemdiales.” Subsequently, the College of Cardinals will convene a conclave to elect the next pope, a process expected to begin between May 5 and May 11. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, serving as the camerlengo, is overseeing the Church’s daily operations during this interregnum.
Pope Francis’s passing marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church, leaving a legacy of humility, inclusivity, and reform.
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Pope Francis Dies at 88; Funeral Scheduled for April 26