Riya Sharma 
Jorge Mario Bergoglio who later became Pope Francis died at the age of 88 on April 21st 2025 in Buenos Aires Argentina after being born there on December 17th 1936. The papacy under Pope Francis ended with his death after 2013 when he started his transformative leadership featuring humility and social justice and broad inclusion.
Pope Francis Age, Early Life and Rise to the Papacy
Bergoglio chose religion from a young age when he entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958 following his upbringing in working classes. He began his mission as a priest following his ordination in 1969 and achieved every milestone in the Catholic hierarchy to eventually become the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 before becoming a cardinal in 2001. The history-making appointment on March 13, 2013 brought him to the position of become the first Jesuit and the first American pope while also becoming the first non-European choice for the papacy in a thousand years. At Pope Francis age 88, his legacy continues to inspire millions across the world.
A Papacy of Compassion and Reform
Pope Francis selected his pope name as a tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi because he wanted to display his humility alongside his commitment to people who are marginalized. Instead of living in pompous Vatican apartments at the Apostolic Palace he chose basic accommodations at the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse. His papacy dedicated its efforts to solving problems linked with poverty and environmental concerns and refugee migrations. Significant measures for reform existed in the way Pope Francis implemented administrative and financial changes within Vatican operations.
The progressive approach of Pope Francis included better relationships with LGBTQ+ individuals alongside his actions to handle sexual abuse within the Church. His approach toward inclusivity and showing mercy frequently created conflicts with conservative members of the Church.
Health Challenges and Final Days
During his papacy Francis battled health problems due to his youth surgery which required removal of a lung. The beginning of 2025 ate the age of 88 found the Pope Francis admitted to medical care for his severe bronchitis and pneumonia which extended his hospital stay followed by a required recovery period. He made a public appearance before his death on Easter Sunday April 20th 2025 though his health had started deteriorating. A cerebral stroke killed him immediately after it triggered an unstable collapse of his heart and cardiovascular systems.
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Global Mourning and Legacy
When Pope Francis passed away the world immediately expressed deep sorrow together with numerous worldwide tributes. Figures like U.S. President Joe Biden together with French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Francis’s life work which focused on caring for the disadvantaged people. The global community recognizes his enduring legacy which unified people around social justice and environmental stewardship and interfaith diplomacy.
Funeral and Succession
The leader of the Catholic Church maintained modest arrangements for his final resting place by eliminating traditional funeral rites. According to his plan the late pope wanted his final resting place to be located at the Basilica of St. Mary Major which made him the first pope since Pope Leo XIII in 1903 to receive burial outside Vatican grounds. According to the Vatican the election of the new pope will take place between May 6 through May 11 during 2025.
During his lifetime Pope Francis dedicated his papacy to building a Church that would embrace tolerance and represent all its member with kindness. Through his life Pope Francis leaves a perpetual legacy which motivates thousands worldwide to practice humility alongside dedicating themselves to service and extend their love beyond any human distinction.
