Papa mortuus est. The pope is dead. 

These words were said by Cardinal Kevin Farrell on April 21, 2025 7:35 a.m. Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, and Successor of the Prince of the Apostles has died at the age of 88 due to ongoing respiratory issues. He died peacefully in Vatican City, surrounded by members of the Clergy and close aides. 

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history in 2013 when he became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first to take the name Francis–after Saint Francis of Assisi, a symbol of humility and care for the poor. 

Throughout his time as pope, Francis was known for his focus on compassion, climate change, interfaith dialogue, and social justice. He often emphasized mercy over judgement and worked to make the Catholic church more welcoming, especially to marginalized groups. 

“He made the church feel closer to the people. Even if you didn’t agree with everything, you could tell he truly cared,” Binh Huynh (10) said.

Catholics around the world have looked to Pope Francis as a leader who combined faith with a message of inclusivity and global responsibility. His legacy will likely influence the church and followers for generations to come. 

“It truly makes me sad that such an important figure has passed. I’m hoping someone can fill his shoes and make as big of an impact on the world as Pope Francis did,” Aiden Franco (10) said. 

The Vatican will soon begin the traditional mourning period, followed by the conclave, where cardinals will gather to elect the next pope. Until then, Catholics around the world are remembering Pope Francis not only as a religious leader, but as a voice for peace and compassion in a complicated world.