Pope Francis Dies: Pope Francis To Be Laid In Coffin At Chapel Of Saint Martha | WION Dispatch
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1936, has died at the age of 88, just one day after Easter Sunday, on Monday, April 21, 2025. His passing marks the end of a transformative papacy that bridged continents, faiths, and generations.
As the first pope from the New World and the first Jesuit pope, Francis made history when he was elected to the papacy in 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His election also ended more than a millennium of exclusively European pontiffs, ushering in a new era of global representation in the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.
His death was formally announced at 9:45 a.m. (GMT+2) by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who delivered this heartfelt message:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. [At 7:35 a.m.], the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Francis had been hospitalized for 38 days beginning in February, due to complications from bronchitis, which later developed into double pneumonia. As of now, the Vatican has not released official funeral arrangements.
A Life of Devotion and Reform
Ordained a priest in 1969, Bergoglio rose through the Church’s ranks, becoming Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, and was named Cardinal in 2001. He adopted the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of humility, animals, and the environment—values that would define his papacy.
During his tenure, Pope Francis led six major Synods of Bishops, issuing apostolic exhortations that tackled core issues like evangelization, youth discernment, and the Church’s role in modern society. His commitment to environmental justice was highlighted in Laudato Si’, and his compassion for the marginalized earned him praise around the globe.
A Pope for the People
In 2015, Pope Francis made a historic visit to Washington, D.C., where he addressed a joint session of Congress—a rare honor for any world leader, let alone a pope. In his speech, he reminded lawmakers of their responsibility:
“Each son or daughter of a given country has a mission, a personal and social responsibility. Your own responsibility as members of Congress is to enable this country, by your legislative activity, to grow as a nation. You are the face of its people, their representatives.”
That day, he met with American Catholics including then-Vice President Joe Biden and then-Speaker John Boehner, further solidifying his role as a moral voice in both religious and political spheres.
A Final Blessing
Pope Francis leaves behind a Church forever changed by his emphasis on mercy, humility, and inclusion. From Vatican corridors to the most remote corners of the world, his message resonated with believers and non-believers alike: to love, to serve, and to uplift the least among us.
As the world mourns his passing, it also celebrates the enduring legacy of a pope who led with heart, healed with words, and walked humbly in the footsteps of Christ.
Watch Full Video Below 👇👇👇👇👇