Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, left behind a significant legacy marked by his commitment to the poor and his global vision for the Catholic Church. Leaders and mourners alike reflect on his transformative impact during his twelve-year papacy, as the Vatican prepares for a new conclave to select his successor.
World Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis: A Legacy of Compassion and Inclusivity
World Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis: A Legacy of Compassion and Inclusivity
Tributes pour in from around the globe following the death of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff who championed the marginalized and advocated for compassionate leadership.
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Current time in Vatican City: 7:28 p.m. April 21
Live Updated: April 21, 2025, 2:25 p.m. ET
Latest Updates: The world remembers Pope Francis.
Mourners flooded St. Peter's Square, many in tears, gathering to honor the first Latin American pope. The Vatican announced that Pope Francis died at age 88 due to complications from a stroke.
Reporting from Rome, Jason Horowitz states that Pope Francis, who upheld the rights of migrants and the marginalized during his 12-year papacy, was celebrated by global leaders and followers for his teachings that will shape the future of the Roman Catholic Church. Renowned for rising from humble beginnings in Argentina to lead over a billion Catholics, Pope Francis aimed to transform the church into a more inclusive body. Shockingly, his death came just a day after he blessed the faithful in his wheelchair on Easter Sunday. This loss presents a pivotal moment for the church, which now faces the crucial selection of a new leader—one who may either embrace his global, welcoming ethos or revert to a more traditionalist approach reminiscent of his predecessors.
“The Bishop of Rome, Francis, has returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell, an American of Irish descent, announced solemnly during a statement from the Vatican. For the interim, Cardinal Farrell will oversee the Vatican's administration until a new pope is appointed, which is expected to occur within weeks, following established traditions for such occasions.
Pope Francis's sudden death stirred swift reactions; mourning crowds quickly gathered in St. Peter's Square, where disbelief permeated the air. Marco Volpi, a 69-year-old visitor, reflected, "We saw him yesterday. We did not expect such a tragic end." Although a date for his funeral remains undetermined, public viewing of the pontiff's body could begin as early as Wednesday. Reports indicate his death resulted from a stroke, leading to subsequent cardiac failure.
As global leaders offered heartfelt condolences, the void in the leadership of the Catholic Church is profound. The upcoming conclave to select Francis's successor will spark rumors and anticipations, as contenders are discussed among the ranks of Catholic leadership.
Despite facing challenges during his tenure, including the church's sexual abuse crisis and its opaque financial structures, Francis effectively catalyzed discussions on critical issues such as climate change and immigration. His unyielding commitment created a distinctive path that resonated widely, even as opinions of him intensified in technical and polarizing times.
During his final hours, Francis maintained focus on marginalized communities, leaving behind a profound, lasting message about acceptance and support of those in need.
The blend of roles Pope Francis played—as a leader of the Catholic Church and a proponent for human compassion—has bolstered hope for progressive change. As tributes pour in, including from those who barely knew him, the consensus remains that while his journey has ended, his legacy will reverberate and serve as a guiding light for the church and beyond.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell will preside over the preparations for Pope Francis's memorial, which will draw both sorrowful prayers and blessings as the world reflects on a leader heralded for his humility and vision of inclusion.
Current time in Vatican City: 7:28 p.m. April 21
Live Updated: April 21, 2025, 2:25 p.m. ET
Latest Updates: The world remembers Pope Francis.
Mourners flooded St. Peter's Square, many in tears, gathering to honor the first Latin American pope. The Vatican announced that Pope Francis died at age 88 due to complications from a stroke.
Reporting from Rome, Jason Horowitz states that Pope Francis, who upheld the rights of migrants and the marginalized during his 12-year papacy, was celebrated by global leaders and followers for his teachings that will shape the future of the Roman Catholic Church. Renowned for rising from humble beginnings in Argentina to lead over a billion Catholics, Pope Francis aimed to transform the church into a more inclusive body. Shockingly, his death came just a day after he blessed the faithful in his wheelchair on Easter Sunday. This loss presents a pivotal moment for the church, which now faces the crucial selection of a new leader—one who may either embrace his global, welcoming ethos or revert to a more traditionalist approach reminiscent of his predecessors.
“The Bishop of Rome, Francis, has returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell, an American of Irish descent, announced solemnly during a statement from the Vatican. For the interim, Cardinal Farrell will oversee the Vatican's administration until a new pope is appointed, which is expected to occur within weeks, following established traditions for such occasions.
Pope Francis's sudden death stirred swift reactions; mourning crowds quickly gathered in St. Peter's Square, where disbelief permeated the air. Marco Volpi, a 69-year-old visitor, reflected, "We saw him yesterday. We did not expect such a tragic end." Although a date for his funeral remains undetermined, public viewing of the pontiff's body could begin as early as Wednesday. Reports indicate his death resulted from a stroke, leading to subsequent cardiac failure.
As global leaders offered heartfelt condolences, the void in the leadership of the Catholic Church is profound. The upcoming conclave to select Francis's successor will spark rumors and anticipations, as contenders are discussed among the ranks of Catholic leadership.
Despite facing challenges during his tenure, including the church's sexual abuse crisis and its opaque financial structures, Francis effectively catalyzed discussions on critical issues such as climate change and immigration. His unyielding commitment created a distinctive path that resonated widely, even as opinions of him intensified in technical and polarizing times.
During his final hours, Francis maintained focus on marginalized communities, leaving behind a profound, lasting message about acceptance and support of those in need.
The blend of roles Pope Francis played—as a leader of the Catholic Church and a proponent for human compassion—has bolstered hope for progressive change. As tributes pour in, including from those who barely knew him, the consensus remains that while his journey has ended, his legacy will reverberate and serve as a guiding light for the church and beyond.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell will preside over the preparations for Pope Francis's memorial, which will draw both sorrowful prayers and blessings as the world reflects on a leader heralded for his humility and vision of inclusion.
