Pope Francis (real name Jorge Mario Bergoglio) passed away on April 21 at the Vatican, at the age of 88.

On the morning of the 21st (local time) at 7:35 AM, the Associated Press reported the news of Pope Francis' death.

In recent years, Pope Francis had suffered from serious health issues. In early 2025, he was hospitalized for 38 days due to bilateral pneumonia and kidney function decline, raising concerns about his health.

However, on April 20, the day before Easter, he made a temporary recovery by appearing at a Mass in St. Peter's Square. Yet, just one day later, on the 21st, the Vatican officially announced his passing.

The Holy See stated, "The Pope passed away peacefully."

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo, officially announced the news of the Pope's passing, and the Vatican immediately began funeral arrangements. A conclave to elect the next Pope is expected to be convened soon.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was elected as the 266th Pope on March 13, 2013. He was the first Pope from South America and the first Jesuit to hold the position in the history of the Catholic Church.

With his simple lifestyle and reformist tendencies, he led changes and renewal within the Vatican, championing the protection of the marginalized and addressing environmental issues.

Pope Francis lived at the Casa Santa Marta instead of the papal residence and insisted on wearing simple vestments rather than ornate papal robes. These actions provided a fresh resonance within a tradition-bound Catholic Church and served as a turning point in changing perceptions of the Church, particularly among the younger generation and non-believers.

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