Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Pope Francis dies at 88, Ending Historic Pontificate Marked by Mercy and Reform

Posted on April 21, 2025 in: News

Pope Francis dies at 88, Ending Historic Pontificate Marked by Mercy and Reform

Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Easter Monday, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. The 88-year-old pontiff led the Catholic Church for a little more than 12 years.

Official Announcement by the Camerlengo

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, officially announced the pope’s death in a video message.

“At 7:35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Farrell stated. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of God and his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.”

Funeral and Conclave Plans

The Vatican has not yet announced details regarding the funeral arrangements for the first Latin American pope in history. A conclave to elect his successor will be convoked in the coming days.

Early Life and Priestly Ministry

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on Dec. 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and entered the Society of Jesus at age 21. Following his ordination in 1969, he served as a Jesuit provincial, seminary rector, and professor before St. John Paul II appointed him auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992. He became archbishop of the Argentine capital in 1998 and was created cardinal in 2001.

Historic Papal Election

The surprise election of Cardinal Bergoglio on March 13, 2013, at age 76 marked several historic firsts: He became the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to choose the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi’s devotion to poverty, peace, and creation.

Legacy and Impact

His 12-year pontificate was characterized by a focus on mercy, care for creation, and attention to what he called the “peripheries” of both the Church and society. He made 47 apostolic journeys outside Italy, though he never visited his native Argentina.

During his tenure, Pope Francis canonized 942 saints — more than any other pope in history — including his predecessors John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. He published four encyclicals and seven apostolic exhortations while promulgating 75 motu proprio documents.

Reforming the College of Cardinals

Throughout his papacy, Francis significantly reshaped the College of Cardinals through 10 consistories, creating 163 new cardinals. His appointments reflected his vision of a global Church, elevating prelates from the peripheries and creating cardinals in places that had never before had one, including Mongolia and South Sudan.

Health Challenges in Later Years

Health challenges marked the pope’s final years. He underwent surgery in July 2021 and in June 2023. In November 2023, he suffered from pulmonary inflammation, and in February 2025, he was hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis and a respiratory infection.

Responding to Global and Church Crises

His papacy faced unprecedented challenges, including the global COVID-19 pandemic, during which he offered historic moments of prayer for humanity — notably the extraordinary urbi et orbi blessing in an empty St. Peter’s Square in March 2020.

He also repeatedly called for peace amid conflicts in Ukraine and the Holy Land.

Synods and Church Reform

Francis convoked four synods, including the Synod on Synodality, whose second session concluded in October 2024. He implemented significant reforms of the Roman Curia and took several steps to address the clergy abuse crisis, including the 2019 motu proprio Vos Estis Lux Mundi.

Next Steps: Funeral and Conclave

Following the pope’s funeral and the traditional nine days of mourning, cardinals from around the world will gather in Rome for the general congregations and subsequent conclave to elect his successor.

Information for this article was gathered from EWTN News.
Photo Credit: EWTN News


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Watch the 2025 Chrism Mass and Homily by Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne
The 2025 Chrism Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, April 16th, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. The Most Rev. Christopher J. Coyne, Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Norwich, presided over the sacred liturgy, which marks a highlight of Holy Week. This special Mass featured the blessing of the holy oils—used throughout the year for sacraments such as Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders—and the Renewal of Priestly Promises by the clergy of the Diocese. We invite you to watch the video of the full Mass, especiall...

Read More

Faithful Invited to Witness a Joyous Moment in Diocesan History — Parish Tickets and Livestream Offered
The Diocese of Norwich joyfully awaits the ordination and installation of Bishop-elect Richard F. Reidy as the sixth bishop of Norwich, to be held on Tuesday, April 29, at 2:00 p.m. in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich. Due to the limited capacity of the Cathedral, each parish in the diocese has received an allotment of just four tickets per church to distribute. Anyone interested in attending in person must contact their parish office directly. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate ticket requests through the diocesan office. The ordination and installati...

Read More

Photos & Video: The Most Rev. Richard F. Reidy Ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich
The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy was ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich, Connecticut at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. The gathering filled the cathedral for the Mass of Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Reidy, who comes to Norwich from the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was vicar general. Pope Francis appointed Reidy as Sixth Bishop of Norwich in February.   Click here to see a photo gallery of the Ordination   Click here for more information about Bishop Reidy   Video of the compl...

Read More

Celebrating Our Faithful Servants: Priestly Jubilees of 2025
With gratitude and joy, the Diocese of Norwich extends heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to the priests celebrating milestone anniversaries of their ordination to the sacred priesthood in 2025. These dedicated men have faithfully answered God’s call, each offering years of devoted service to Christ and His Church. Celebrating 65 years of priesthood are Reverend Paul F. Ramen (ordained February 2, 1960) and Reverend John E. Welch, M.S. (May 28, 1960), whose lifetime of ministry continues to inspire. Marking 60 years, Monsignor James Carini (May ...

Read More

Pope Francis dies at 88, Ending Historic Pontificate Marked by Mercy and Reform
Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Easter Monday, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. The 88-year-old pontiff led the Catholic Church for a little more than 12 years. Official Announcement by the Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, officially announced the pope’s death in a video message. “At 7:35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of...

Read More

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for the Month of April
Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of April is for the use of new technologies.  “How I would like for us to look less at screens and look each other in the eyes more,” the pope said in a prerecorded video released April 1. “Something’s wrong if we spend more time on our cellphones than with people. The screen makes us forget that there are real people behind it who breathe, laugh, and cry.” He added: “It’s true, technology is the fruit of the intelligence God gave us. But we need to use it well. It can&rs...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Photos & Video: The Most Rev. Richard F. Reidy Ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich
Memorial Day Cemetery Mass Schedule
We Can Help. Promise to Protect-Pledge to Heal.
Faith, Fellowship, and Fun for Homeschooling Families
The crucifix and the Pietà - Hope & Faith Series
Calendar of Events

 

May 7 Papal Conclave Date Finalized as Cardinals Prepare for Election
Monthly Pro-Life Mass to be Held May 3
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard F. Reidy
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294