Pope Francis dies at 88

On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, died at 88, the Vatican announced at 7:35 a.m. “The Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said. The first Jesuit and non-European pope since 2013, leading 1.2 billion Catholics, Francis died after battling pneumonia and diverticulitis, often using a wheelchair. His body, per April 21 Vatican plans, will lie in St. Peter’s Basilica from April 23 for mourners, then be buried at Basilica of St. Mary Major, per his wishes. “He taught us…universal love, especially for the poorest,” Farrell noted. Pilgrims like Titti Lepore, 56, flocked to St. Peter’s Square, saying, “I felt the need to come here.” Vice President JD Vance, who met Francis April 20, mourned on X. Leaders like Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Argentina’s Javier Milei, who posted, “I bid farewell to the Holy Father,” paid tribute. A conclave to pick the next pope looms.