Pope Francis Dies at the Age of 88

Vatican City: In a solemn moment for the global Catholic community, Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death in an official statement, noting that the pontiff died at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, following a prolonged battle with pneumonia and other respiratory ailments.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. His papacy began in 2013, and he quickly became known for his humble lifestyle, progressive views, and commitment to social justice. Over the past several months, his health had significantly deteriorated, and he had been hospitalized multiple times before being recently discharged.

“It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of our Holy Father, Francis,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a televised address on the Vatican’s official channel. “He dedicated his life to the Church and the service of humanity. His absence will be profoundly felt across the world.”

In the final hours of his life, Pope Francis continued to carry out his pastoral duties as best as he could. On Easter Sunday morning, just a day before his death, he met privately with United States Vice President J.D. Vance. The Holy See’s press office stated that the meeting was brief but meaningful. Vance was visiting Italy with his family and had scheduled a stop at the Vatican’s Secretariat of State before departing for India.

Pope Francis maintained a strong relationship with global leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two had met during the G7 summit outreach session in Borgo Egnazia last year. Reflecting on that meeting, PM Modi posted on Instagram, “Met Pope Francis on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. I admire his commitment to serving people and improving our planet. I also invited him to visit India.”

The Pope and PM Modi had earlier held a private meeting in October 2021 at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, marking the first meeting between an Indian Prime Minister and a Pope in over two decades. Previously, the late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had visited the Vatican in June 2000 and met with Pope John Paul II.

India and the Holy See have shared diplomatic relations since 1948. India also hosts the second-largest Catholic population in Asia, reflecting a deep and historic connection between the two.

As tributes pour in from across the globe, Pope Francis is being remembered not only as the spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics but also as a tireless advocate for peace, compassion, and the marginalized. The Vatican is expected to announce funeral arrangements and details about the succession process in the coming days.

Team Maverick.