Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday, Leaving a Legacy of Compassion and Reform.......

Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and its first Latin American leader, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City, following complications from a stroke.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was elected pope in March 2013. His papacy was marked by a commitment to humility, social justice, and environmental stewardship. He was known for his progressive stances, including support for marginalized communities, advocacy for climate action, and efforts to modernize the Church's approach to contemporary issues.

Despite health challenges in recent years, including a prolonged hospitalization for double pneumonia, Pope Francis continued his duties. He delivered his final public blessing on Easter Sunday, just a day before his passing.

In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, making him the first pope in over a century to be interred outside the Vatican. The funeral is expected to take place within the next few days. As the world mourns, the College of Cardinals will convene to elect a new leader for the Catholic Church, marking the end of a transformative era under Pope Francis's guidance.