Cardinal Kevin Ferrell announced the death of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, 2025. He stated, "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church."
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was the eldest of five children.
On March 13, 2013, he was elected the 266th pope, serving in the role for 12 years.
He was hospitalized on February 14, 2025, with bronchitis, which developed into a complex lung infection and double pneumonia. After an aggressive course of treatment, he was released from the hospital on March 23, 2025, after 38 days.
On Easter Sunday, he briefly met with Vice President JD Vance, and he made a public appearance in St. Peter's Square, blessing those in attendance. It would become his final public appearance.
Pope Francis was 88 years old.