Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Look at His Legacy and What’s Next for the Catholic Church

 On Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, the world received the sad news of Pope Francis’s passing at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that the beloved pontiff, who led the Catholic Church for 12 years, died at his residence in Casa Santa Marta after a long battle with health issues. This article, prepared by the journalists at TheMors, dives into Pope Francis’s remarkable life, his impact on the global Catholic community, and what his death means for the future of the Church. Let’s explore his legacy and the next steps for the Vatican.

Who Was Pope Francis: A Brief Look at His Life

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, became the first Latin American pope when he was elected in March 2013. Before his papacy, he worked as a nightclub bouncer in his youth and later became a Jesuit priest, known for his humility and dedication to the poor. At 88 years old, Francis led the Catholic Church through a time of change, focusing on issues like compassion, inclusivity, and social justice.

He was often seen as a “Pope for the people,” choosing simple acts—like washing the feet of prisoners or meeting with the homeless—to show his commitment to those on the margins of society. Despite facing health challenges, including a recent hospital stay for double pneumonia, Francis made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, blessing thousands in St. Peter’s Square. Sadly, he passed away the next morning at 7:35 AM local time, as announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

Pope Francis’s Health Struggles in His Final Months

Pope Francis had been dealing with health problems for some time before his death. In February 2025, he was admitted to Policlinico Agostino Gemelli hospital in Rome with what the Vatican first called a respiratory infection. This later turned out to be double pneumonia, a serious condition affecting both lungs. He spent over five weeks in the hospital, finally returning to the Vatican on March 23, 2025.

Despite his recovery, sources later revealed that his health remained fragile. According to Italian news agency ANSA, the likely cause of his death was a stroke, not the respiratory illness he had been battling. The Vatican has not yet officially confirmed this, but doctors who treated him noted that the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition had been worsening. His final act of devotion—touring St. Peter’s Square in his popemobile on Easter Sunday—showed his determination to connect with the faithful until the very end.

A Legacy of Compassion and Change

Pope Francis’s 12-year papacy left a lasting mark on the Catholic Church and the world. He was known for his focus on the poor, often speaking out against inequality and corporate greed. Unlike many traditional leaders, he reached out to groups that felt ignored by the Church, including the LGBTQ+ community and migrants. His simple lifestyle—living in a modest Vatican guesthouse instead of the grand Apostolic Palace—made him a symbol of humility.

Key Moments of His Papacy

• Inclusivity Efforts: Francis made headlines by calling for the Church to be more welcoming. He famously said, “Who am I to judge?” when speaking about gay people, a shift from past Church teachings.
• Global Outreach: He traveled to over 60 countries, often visiting places of conflict like Ukraine, where he prayed for peace. His trips drew millions, with crowds waiting hours to see him in his popemobile.
• Focus on Youth: Francis connected with young people, urging them to reject materialism. In 2016, he told Catholic youth, “Happiness is not an app you can download on your phones.”
• Environmental Advocacy: His 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, called for action on climate change, earning him praise from environmental groups.

His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from world leaders and everyday people alike. King Charles, who met Francis just 12 days before his passing, said he and Queen Camilla had “heavy hearts” and would remember his compassion. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a “beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage,” while U.S. Vice President JD Vance shared that he was grateful to have met Francis on Easter Sunday, noting his frail but inspiring presence.

What Happens After Pope Francis’s Death

The passing of a pope triggers a series of traditions in the Vatican. After Pope Francis’s death at 88, the Church enters a period of mourning and preparation for a new leader. Here’s what to expect:

The Mourning Period and Funeral

Church bells rang out worldwide to honor Francis, from Notre Dame in Paris to a small church in the Philippines, where a bell tolled 88 times for his 88 years of life. Francis had simplified the rites for papal funerals last year, reflecting his humble approach. He also requested to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, a place he often visited to pray, rather than the traditional grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Conclave to Elect a New Pope

Within 15 to 20 days, cardinals from around the world will gather in the Sistine Chapel for a conclave to choose the next pope. This secret meeting involves voting until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority. With Francis’s death, the Church faces questions about its future direction. Will the next pope continue his progressive reforms, or will the cardinals choose a more traditional leader?

The canonization of Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, was scheduled for April 27, 2025, but has been postponed due to Francis’s passing, according to the Vatican. This shows how his death has already affected major Church events.

Global Reactions to Pope Francis’s Passing

The news of Pope Francis’s death at 88 has touched people across the globe. In his native Argentina, church bells rang, and people gathered at the Basílica de San José de Flores, where Francis worshipped as a young man, to pray and honor his memory. Photos showed mourners holding portraits of the late pope, some visibly emotional as they touched his image.

World leaders shared their grief online. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote that Francis “knew how to give hope” and prayed for peace in Ukraine, a cause close to the pope’s heart. Former U.S. President Barack Obama called him a leader who “made us want to be better people” through simple acts like embracing the sick and ministering to the homeless. In Italy, Serie A postponed all Monday football matches as a mark of respect, showing how deeply his loss resonated even in the sports world.

Closer to home, about 400 mourners gathered for a 1 PM mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew in Glasgow just hours after the announcement. From Jerusalem to Buenos Aires, people of all faiths joined in remembering a man who stood for compassion and unity.

Did Nostradamus Predict Pope Francis’s Death?

Interestingly, some are looking to the past to make sense of this moment. After Pope Francis’s death at 88, a 16th-century prophecy by Nostradamus has gained attention. The French astrologer wrote about a “very old pontiff” and the “City of Seven Hills” (often linked to Rome), predicting that a Roman leader would emerge after his passing. Since Francis was of Italian descent, born to Italian immigrants in Argentina, some believe this prophecy might point to him. However, scholars remain divided on whether Nostradamus’s words truly align with these events.

What’s Next for the Catholic Church

Pope Francis’s death at 88 marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church. His papacy challenged traditions while staying rooted in faith, leaving a legacy that will shape the Church for years to come. As the Vatican prepares for a new pope, many wonder if the next leader will follow in his footsteps or take a different path. The conclave will be a pivotal moment, deciding whether the Church leans toward reform or tradition.

For the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, this is a time of reflection and prayer. Francis’s message of love, humility, and care for the poor will continue to inspire, even as the Church moves forward without him.

Tips for Following Vatican Updates

If you’re interested in what happens next, here are a few ways to stay informed:

• Check official Vatican announcements for updates on the funeral and conclave.
• Follow news outlets like TheMors for real-time coverage of the transition.
• Look for statements from world leaders and Catholic communities to understand the global impact.

The coming weeks will be a historic time for the Catholic Church, and staying updated will help you understand the changes ahead.

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FAQ: Your Questions About Pope Francis’s Death Answered

When did Pope Francis die, and how old was he?
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM local time. He was 88 years old.

What was the cause of Pope Francis’s death?
While he had been battling double pneumonia, sources report that a stroke was the likely cause of his death, though the Vatican has not yet confirmed this.

How long was Pope Francis the leader of the Catholic Church?
He served as pope for 12 years, from March 13, 2013, until his death in 2025.

Where will Pope Francis be buried?
He requested to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, a place he often visited to pray, instead of the traditional grottoes under St. Peter’s Basilica.

What happens after a pope dies?
The Church enters a mourning period, followed by a conclave where cardinals elect a new pope within 15 to 20 days. During this time, major events like canonizations are postponed.

Who might be the next pope?
It’s too early to say, but the conclave will decide. Some speculate the cardinals might choose a le