Following the unexpected death of Pope Francis, global leaders and citizens express deep sorrow, celebrating his commitment to migrants and the marginalized while the Catholic Church braces for the selection of a successor.
World Mourns the Loss of Pope Francis, a Champion of the Marginalized
World Mourns the Loss of Pope Francis, a Champion of the Marginalized
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, passes away after a stroke, leaving behind a rich legacy of compassion and inclusivity.
April 21, 2025, 5:07 p.m. ET — Vatican City
The world grapples with the shock of Pope Francis's death at 88, revealed by the Vatican after he suffered a stroke. Since his election in 2013, Francis, the first pope from Latin America, became a voice of compassion for the poor and a vocal advocate for migrants, leaving an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and beyond.
As tributes poured in from global leaders and devout Catholics, many hailed Francis's teachings and dedication to inclusivity. U.S. President Donald Trump announced intentions to attend his funeral, expected this week, though details remain unconfirmed. Trump’s relationship with the pope was often contentious, rooted in opposing views on immigration and other issues, yet he acknowledged Francis’s love for marginalized communities.
Mourners gathered swiftly in St. Peter’s Square, where tears flowed for a leader whose recent appearances gave hope. Just a day before his passing, he blessed thousands despite ongoing health challenges from pneumonia. “We saw him yesterday,” Marco Volpi, a 69-year-old devotee, lamented. “We did not expect such a tragic ending.”
The Vatican disclosed that Francis's will requested a humble burial at Rome's Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, desiring no elaborate decorations, simply marked with “Franciscus.” "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome returned to the house of the Father," affirmed Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the interim Vatican administrator.
Pope Francis championed the disadvantaged through his papacy, confronting the church’s sexual abuse crisis and advocating for climate action. While mainstream popularity facing struggles, including recent conservativism, his persistent calls for compassion on issues such as migration marked a legacy that many hope will guide his successor.
Francis's influence extended back to his roots in Argentina, where an outpouring of grief flooded churches and public squares. His life as a humble priest in Buenos Aires fostered profound connections with local devotees, and many share personal stories of encounters with him.
As the Catholic Church turns its gaze to the future leadership, cardinals will gather to elect a new pope. Observers ponder whether the next leader will continue Francis's welcoming approach or revert to the stricter traditions of his predecessors.
Mourners elsewhere, including from cities like Buenos Aires, report heartfelt memories of a pope who truly embodied the call to "build bridges" between communities. As the world remembers a leader dedicated to gradual change, it now awaits the direction and vision of the next papal leader.
The world grapples with the shock of Pope Francis's death at 88, revealed by the Vatican after he suffered a stroke. Since his election in 2013, Francis, the first pope from Latin America, became a voice of compassion for the poor and a vocal advocate for migrants, leaving an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and beyond.
As tributes poured in from global leaders and devout Catholics, many hailed Francis's teachings and dedication to inclusivity. U.S. President Donald Trump announced intentions to attend his funeral, expected this week, though details remain unconfirmed. Trump’s relationship with the pope was often contentious, rooted in opposing views on immigration and other issues, yet he acknowledged Francis’s love for marginalized communities.
Mourners gathered swiftly in St. Peter’s Square, where tears flowed for a leader whose recent appearances gave hope. Just a day before his passing, he blessed thousands despite ongoing health challenges from pneumonia. “We saw him yesterday,” Marco Volpi, a 69-year-old devotee, lamented. “We did not expect such a tragic ending.”
The Vatican disclosed that Francis's will requested a humble burial at Rome's Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, desiring no elaborate decorations, simply marked with “Franciscus.” "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome returned to the house of the Father," affirmed Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the interim Vatican administrator.
Pope Francis championed the disadvantaged through his papacy, confronting the church’s sexual abuse crisis and advocating for climate action. While mainstream popularity facing struggles, including recent conservativism, his persistent calls for compassion on issues such as migration marked a legacy that many hope will guide his successor.
Francis's influence extended back to his roots in Argentina, where an outpouring of grief flooded churches and public squares. His life as a humble priest in Buenos Aires fostered profound connections with local devotees, and many share personal stories of encounters with him.
As the Catholic Church turns its gaze to the future leadership, cardinals will gather to elect a new pope. Observers ponder whether the next leader will continue Francis's welcoming approach or revert to the stricter traditions of his predecessors.
Mourners elsewhere, including from cities like Buenos Aires, report heartfelt memories of a pope who truly embodied the call to "build bridges" between communities. As the world remembers a leader dedicated to gradual change, it now awaits the direction and vision of the next papal leader.
