Pope Francis: Global Mourning and the Vatican’s Next Steps After His Passing

Catholics worldwide are in mourning today (April 21, 2025) following the news of Pope Francis’s passing. The pontiff suffered a cerebral episode and took his last breath at the age of 88 in Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City. Pope Francis’s body will be laid out for public viewing, despite his long-standing wish to be buried in a simple coffin at Santa Maria Maggiore. It remains unclear whether his burial will take place within the Vatican. Faithful from all corners of the globe have gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray in memory of the late pontiff. According to Italian agency ANSA, one possible cause of death was a cerebral hemorrhage. The Pope passed away suddenly this morning at 7:35 p.m., unrelated to respiratory issues. Just hours before his passing, Pope Francis was scheduled to make his final public appearance on Easter Sunday. Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected pope on March 13, 2013, becoming the 266th pope and the first from Latin America. During his 12-year papacy, he traveled extensively, visiting over 65 countries and covering more than 465,000 kilometers. Known as ‘the Pope of the poor,’ he chose humility in his lifestyle, preferring simplicity in accommodations and transportation. His encyclicals addressed significant global issues such as climate change, loneliness post-pandemic, and faith renewal. Following his death, the Catholic Church enters a period of ‘Sede Vacante’ as preparations begin for the conclave to elect the next pope. Cardinals under the age of 80 will gather in the Sistine Chapel between May 6 and 11 to choose the new pontiff.