1. Death Announcement & Final Days
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio) passed away on April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM Rome time[1][2][3].
- Last Public Appearance: Met US Vice President Vance on April 20 and delivered an Easter message urging peace in Ukraine[2][3].
Quick Fact:
⚡ First Latin American pope in history (elected in 2013).
2. Life & Papacy Highlights
✅ Early Life
- Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina (December 17, 1936).
- Left chemistry studies to join the Jesuits in 1958.
✅ Historic Election
- Became pope on March 13, 2013, choosing the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi.
✅ Key Reforms
- Financial transparency & zero tolerance for clergy abuse.
- Supported LGBTQ+ inclusion (angered conservatives).
3. Global Influence
🌐 Diplomacy
- Improved China-Vatican relations (2018 provisional agreement).
- Visited war zones (Iraq, South Sudan) to promote peace.
🌱 Environment
- Issued Laudato Si’ (2015), a landmark encyclical on climate change.
Hot Take:
🔥 “He made the Vatican relevant in modern debates—from poverty to climate change.”
4. Health Decline & Death
- Hospitalized in February 2025 for pneumonia.
- Died at 88; cause not disclosed but linked to age-related decline[1][4].
5. Legacy & Public Reaction
- TIME’s Person of the Year (2013) for humility (e.g., rejected papal palace).
- Transformed the Church’s image as a “voice for the marginalized.”
Fan Tribute:
✝️ “A pope who lived like a saint—simple, compassionate, and bold.”
