Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas and a transformative figure in the modern Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88 following complications related to chronic lung illness. Known for his humility, progressive tone, and deep concern for marginalized communities, Pope Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure, as confirmed by Vatican doctors. He had slipped into a coma before passing away early Monday morning at his Vatican residence.
Funeral arrangements and last wishes
The funeral for Pope Francis will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025. His coffin will be placed for public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica starting Wednesday, where the faithful will be able to pay their respects. In accordance with his final testament, he will be buried in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major rather than St. Peter’s Basilica, requesting a simple burial “in the ground, without particular decoration,” inscribed with his papal name “Franciscus.”
U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed he will attend the funeral in Rome, alongside many global dignitaries and religious leaders.
A pope of the people
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1969, later becoming Archbishop of Buenos Aires and then cardinal. He was elected pope in 2013 and led the Catholic Church for 12 years. Throughout his papacy, he challenged rigid traditions and advocated for inclusion, environmental responsibility, and compassion for the vulnerable.
His decision to reside in a modest Vatican guesthouse and avoid lavish papal traditions set the tone for a papacy focused on humility and justice.
Historic visit to Canada and apology to Indigenous peoples
One of the most profound moments of his papacy came in 2022 during his visit to Canada. At a former residential school site in Maskwacis, Alberta, Pope Francis offered a historic apology in Spanish for the church’s role in the abuse and cultural destruction caused by residential schools. He acknowledged the deep wounds inflicted by colonialism and missionary zeal. While the apology was welcomed by many Indigenous leaders, some felt it did not go far enough.
In 2023, in response to Indigenous advocacy, the Vatican formally repudiated the Doctrine of Discovery — a key colonial-era principle once used to justify Indigenous land dispossession.
Global reactions and tributes
Global leaders have expressed deep condolences:
- Liberal Leader Mark Carney remembered the pope as “a voice of moral clarity, spiritual courage and boundless compassion.” Recalling his 2022 apology in Canada, Carney noted: “He reminded us that markets don’t have values, people do… He was the world’s conscience.”
- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called Pope Francis “a light of faith, hope, and love,” highlighting his work for reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
- NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said Francis lived the values he preached: “He challenged leaders to put people before profits. His apology to residential school survivors was a meaningful step toward truth.”
- King Charles III and Queen Camilla praised the pope’s “tireless commitment” to unity and compassion during their earlier visit with him in April.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino, tennis legend Rafael Nadal, and Argentina’s San Lorenzo football club paid tribute to the soccer-loving pope. Matches in Italy and Argentina were postponed in his honour.
- U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who met the pope on Easter Sunday — just hours before his passing — expressed sadness and said he was honoured to have seen him one last time.
Final reflections and legacy
Pope Francis will be remembered for his fierce commitment to justice, outspoken advocacy on global crises including war, poverty, and climate change, and a genuine effort to reform the Church’s connection with everyday people. He made historic moves such as allowing laypeople and women to vote at synods and reaching out to people of other faiths and sexual orientations.
Cardinal Gerard O’Connell said: “Francis knew the suffering of millions and gave voice to the voiceless. His final blessing was his last act of love for humanity.”
As the Vatican prepares for his funeral, the world mourns a pope who reshaped the church, confronted its past, and envisioned a more compassionate future.
