By Paul Okojie
Rome- Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and its first Latin American leader, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that he passed away at 7:35 a.m. CEST on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, Vatican City .
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was elected pope in 2013 following the resignation of Benedict XVI. His papacy was marked by a commitment to humility, social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities. He was known for his progressive stances on climate change, economic inequality, and interfaith dialogue, often challenging traditional norms within the Church .
Francis had been hospitalized since February due to a respiratory illness that developed into double pneumonia. Despite a brief recovery that allowed him to appear publicly on Easter Sunday, his condition worsened, leading to his death the following morning .
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the pope’s death, praising his lifelong dedication to service and compassion for the poor .
World leaders have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Francis’ legacy. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen lauded his compassion and commitment to the underprivileged. Ireland praised his advocacy for peace and justice, while Italy’s premier called him a great shepherd .
In response to his passing, the governing body of Serie A announced the postponement of seven scheduled football matches, including both top-tier Serie A games and under-20s Primavera 1 fixtures .
A period of mourning has commenced, and preparations are underway for a conclave to elect his successor, expected to take place between May 6 and 11, 2025 .
Pope Francis leaves behind a transformative legacy that reshaped the Catholic Church’s engagement with the modern world.
