Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in his residence at the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. His death marks the beginning of the period known as the “Sede Vacante,” during which the papal throne remains vacant and preparations begin for the conclave that will elect the next Pope.

Francis was the first Jesuit Pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European Pontiff in over a millennium. His election on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Benedict XVI, represented a turning point in the history of the Catholic Church. He chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting his vision of a Church committed to the poor, social justice, and environmental stewardship.

Ordained a priest in 1969, Bergoglio held several positions within the Argentine Church before being appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and elevated to cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. As Pope, he was widely admired for his simple and approachable style: he chose to live in the modest Casa Santa Marta, used humble means of transportation, and distanced himself from the traditional luxuries of the Vatican.

Sheinbaum envía condolencias por la muerte del Papa Francisco

During his twelve-year papacy, Francis spearheaded major reforms in the Roman Curia, promoted financial transparency, and addressed pressing global issues such as climate change with his encyclical “Laudato si”. He also championed a more inclusive and dialogical Church amid times of deep challenges for the Catholic faith.

With his passing, the temporary governance of the Church falls to the Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who will oversee the organization of the conclave, where 136 cardinal electors will gather in the Sistine Chapel. A two-thirds majority—at least 92 votes—is required to elect the new Pope.

True to his humility, Pope Francis requested not to be buried in St. Peter’s Basilica, but rather in a modest chapel within the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, near the revered image of the Virgin “Salus Populi Romani,” to whom he often prayed.

The world bids farewell to a Pope who transformed the image of the Vatican with closeness, humility, and a steadfast voice for the most forgotten.