Pope Francis Has Died at 88

Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88 in the Vatican.

The Holy See’s press office confirmed the Pope’s death, stating that he died on April 21 at his residence in the Vatican. He had recently suffered from bilateral pneumonia and had been hospitalized for an extended period.

Just a day before his passing, on April 20, Pope Francis held a private meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. Later that day, he attended the Easter Mass and greeted worshippers gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in December 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was the son of Italian immigrants. He joined the Jesuit order in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. On March 13, 2013, he became the head of the Roman Catholic Church following the voluntary resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Francis made history as the first pontiff from the Americas.

In 2021, he visited Cyprus, calling it a "priceless pearl" and expressing his prayers for peace on the island.

What Happens Now?

According to centuries-old tradition, the Roman Catholic Church now enters a carefully structured period known as Sede Vacante ("the seat is vacant").

After confirming the Pope’s death, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church seals the papal apartments and informs all cardinals. The funeral is usually held within four to six days, with a televised mass broadcast globally.

Fifteen to twenty days after the funeral, the Church convenes the Conclave — a closed gathering of all cardinals under the age of 80, known as the electors. They assemble in the Sistine Chapel to choose the next pope.