Pope Francis, the pontiff who led the Catholic Church for over a decade, has died at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. His passing occurred on April 21, 2025, just weeks after being released from the hospital where he was treated for a severe respiratory illness.
Despite recently engaging in limited public appearances, including a meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, the pope's health had visibly deteriorated, marked by a notably weak voice. The Vatican has yet to release specific details about the cause of his death, although it is known that he had been grappling with acute respiratory issues, exacerbated by ongoing bouts of bronchitis.
During a critical hospital stay, Francis faced complications from both viral and bacterial infections that led to his acute respiratory insufficiency. His return to a limited schedule brought hope, but ultimately, the frailty of his condition proved too much.
The passing of Pope Francis has raised numerous questions regarding the protocols that follow a pope's death. The Catholic Church will now begin preparations for a period of mourning and establish timelines for memorial services, including the pontiff's funeral. The process for selecting a new pope will also commence, as cardinals gather to deliberate on the Church's future leadership.
