Farewell to Pope Francis: A Shepherd of Compassion and Justice, Laid to Rest on Saturday 26th April

The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure. His death marks the end of a transformative papacy that emphasized mercy, humility, and social justice.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas when he was elected in 2013. His tenure was characterized by a commitment to the marginalized, a focus on environmental stewardship, and efforts to reform the Catholic Church.

The coffin of Pope Francis is carried into St Peter’s Square for his funeral, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis’s approach to leadership was marked by simplicity and accessibility. He chose to live in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the papal apartments and was often seen mingling with the faithful. His teachings emphasized God’s boundless mercy and the importance of caring for the poor and the planet.

In the wake of his passing, the Vatican has entered a period of mourning, with funeral arrangements and the process of selecting a new pope underway. As the Church reflects on his legacy, Pope Francis is remembered as a humble servant who sought to bring the Church closer to the people and to address the pressing issues of our time.

Pope Francis has been interred at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

May his soul rest in peace, and may his vision continue to inspire compassion and justice in the world.