Vatican City, April 21, 2025: Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and the first from Latin America, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed on Monday.
His passing brings to a close a 12-year papacy defined by reform, humility, and ongoing internal challenges. The Argentine-born leader, formerly Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected pope on March 13, 2013, following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI — the first such resignation in six centuries.
In recent years, Pope Francis struggled with numerous health issues, including surgeries and chronic ailments that increasingly limited his ability to perform his duties. The Vatican has not yet released details regarding funeral arrangements or the timeline for the election of his successor.
Just one day before his death, during the Easter Sunday Mass attended by thousands in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis made a heartfelt plea for peace in Gaza. He condemned the severe humanitarian crisis caused by Israel’s military campaign and called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and global solidarity with both Israelis and Palestinians.
Pope Francis’ tenure was marked by efforts to modernize the Church and to make it more inclusive. He became known for his modest lifestyle, choosing to live in a communal residence rather than the opulent Apostolic Palace, a decision he said supported his “psychological health.”
His papacy focused on addressing deep-rooted institutional issues, including the global clergy sexual abuse crisis and administrative reform within the Vatican. He was also a vocal advocate for environmental protection, interfaith dialogue, and social justice, particularly for migrants, the poor, and other marginalized communities.
While widely praised for his compassion and progressive tone, Pope Francis also faced criticism from both sides of the ideological spectrum. Conservative factions within the Church accused him of straying from traditional doctrine, while some reform-minded Catholics felt his changes did not go far enough.
A prolific traveler, Francis visited numerous countries, using his global platform to promote messages of peace, unity, and tolerance. His efforts earned him widespread admiration, making him one of the most influential religious leaders of the 21st century.
With his death, attention now turns to the College of Cardinals, nearly 80% of whom were appointed by Francis himself, potentially shaping the direction of the Church for years to come.
Pakistani PM condoles.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over death of the head of Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis.
In a message, the prime minister said that Pope Francis always guided billions of people to promote peace and love.
“Late Pope Francis was a symbol of inter-faith harmony, peace, and humanity,” the prime minister remarked.
The prime minister said under his leadership, the Catholic Church spread the message of affection, tolerance, and mutual respect worldwide.
The message of Pope Francis was a source of inspiration for not only the Christians but for also the followers of all the religions.
