Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. in Rome, at the age of 88, following a stroke that led to irreversible cardiac failure. The Vatican’s announcement sent waves of sorrow across the globe, marking the end of a historic papacy.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, he was the first pope from Argentina and the first Jesuit to ascend to the papal office. Throughout his time as head of the Catholic Church, he championed social justice, environmental protection, and interfaith dialogue. The French Bishops’ Conference praised him as a man who « called humanity to believe in brotherhood » and urged prioritizing the needs of the poor.
Tributes poured in from around the world, with Argentina and Spain declaring national mourning. At 7:40 p.m., a public prayer was held in Saint Peter’s Square, where thousands of faithful gathered. A mass was also celebrated at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran. According to the Vatican, Pope Francis’s body was to be placed in a coffin at 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Saint Martha residence, where he had lived since his election.
The French football club Olympique de Marseille also expressed deep sorrow, recalling the Pope’s powerful message of peace during his 2023 visit to the city, where he held a mass at the Orange Vélodrome stadium. “Marseille will remember his message of peace”, the club stated.
Pope Francis leaves behind a powerful legacy rooted in compassion, humility, and unity. Though his passing marks the end of an era, his vision for a more just and empathetic world will continue to resonate for generations.
