Pope Francis Death, Saying Goodbye to Pope Francis: A Life That Touched Our Hearts

On April 21, 2025, the world felt like it lost a dear friend when we learned of Pope Francis’ death. Papa Francisco, as so many of us called him with love, slipped away at 88, after 12 years of leading the Catholic Church with a heart full of kindness. His passing has left us all a little teary, sharing memories and wondering about the conclave that will choose who will be the next pope. Let’s gather around, like we’re swapping stories over coffee, and remember this incredible man—his life, his loss, and what it means for us, in a way that feels warm, real, and close to home.

Who Was Our Pope Francis?

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the kind of pope who felt like he could be your neighbor. He was the first Jesuit, the first from Latin America, and the first non-European pope in over a thousand years. How long was Pope Francis Pope? He was our guide for 12 years, from March 13, 2013, until his death in 2025, filling every moment with love and hope.

Jorge grew up in a simple family, with Italian roots and a knack for rolling up his sleeves. As a young guy, he mopped floors, worked as a bouncer, and even thought about being a chemist before God tugged at his heart. He became a priest in 1969, later serving as Archbishop of Buenos Aires and a cardinal under Pope John Paul II. When Pope Benedict XVI surprised everyone by stepping down in 2013, Jorge became the Pope, picking the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi, a saint who loved the poor and the earth.

Francis was all about keeping things real. He skipped the fancy papal palace for a cozy apartment, rode around in a little Fiat, and gave hugs to refugees, kids, and anyone who needed one. He spoke up for the poor, fought for our planet, and even said kind things about same-sex couples, calling them “God’s children.” Some folks thought he was too out-there, but his big smile and bigger heart made him feel like someone you could trust, like a wise grandpa who always had time for you.

The Day We Said Goodbye

Did Pope Francis die? Oh, it hurts to say, but yes, our Papa Francisco passed away on April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM in Vatican City. When did Pope Francis die? It was Easter Monday, just one day after he waved to a huge crowd in St. Peter’s Square, his eyes sparkling even though his body was tired. When did the Pope die? Cardinal Kevin Farrell broke the news, his voice heavy, saying, “This morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

The Pope died in his little home at Casa Santa Marta, but what took him from us? The Vatican hasn’t told us exactly, though some in Italy mentioned a stroke or something with his brain. Francis had been through a lot—pneumonia, bronchitis, and a lung surgery way back when he was young. This year, he fought double pneumonia but still rolled out in his wheelchair to share Easter with us. His death hit like a wave, like losing someone you thought would always be there.

We all felt it. In Rome, folks like Emanuela stood in St. Peter’s Square, whispering, “He made God feel closer.” In the Philippines, church bells sang a sad song. People like U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who saw Francis just hours before, and Argentina’s President Javier Milei said he was a light we all needed, their words wrapping around our grief like a warm blanket.

Keeping Him Close

Is the Pope dead? Yes, Pope Francis is dead, and the Vatican is saying goodbye in a way that feels so much like him—humble and full of heart. Cardinal Kevin Farrell gently sealed Francis’ apartment and broke his Fisherman’s Ring, an old custom to mark the end of his time as pope. Francis didn’t want a big fuss: just one wooden coffin, not the fancy three most popes get, and he chose to be laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a church he loved, instead of the Vatican crypt.

The Church is in a quiet time called sede vacante, when there’s no pope, and we’re in a nine-day mourning called the Novendiales. Francis’ body rested in St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands came to say, “Thank you,” just like the crowds who loved Pope John Paul II back in 2005. His funeral, happening April 25–27, 2025, will bring people from everywhere, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, to honor a man who made the world a little brighter.

What’s Next for Us?

Who will be the next pope? It’s the question we’re all asking, and the answer will come from the conclave, a special meeting where cardinals pick the next pope. It’ll start between May 6 and 11, 2025, a few weeks after Francis’ death. About 138 cardinals, all under 80 and mostly chosen by Francis, will gather in the Sistine Chapel, voting until someone gets two-thirds of their votes. Black smoke means they’re still talking; white smoke and “Habemus Papam” mean we’ve got a new pope.

Who might it be? It’s like guessing the end of a story, but some names pop up:

• Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, who’s got a big heart like Francis, could be the first Asian pope.
• Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana, who speaks for Africa’s growing faith, brings something new.
• Cardinal Peter Erdo from Hungary, who loves the Church’s traditions, might be a pick for those wanting calm.

Francis picked most of these cardinals, so his dream of a Church that welcomes everyone might shine through. The conclave is like a quiet prayer, and we’re all waiting for that white smoke to tell us what’s next.

Thinking of Popes Before Him

Pope Francis’ death makes us remember the popes who came before, each so special:

• Pope Benedict XVI (2005–2013) was a book-smart man who loved the Church’s history. He shocked us by retiring in 2013, the first pope to do that in forever, and he passed away in 2022. Francis, who prayed at his funeral, was more about hugs than books, different from Benedict’s quiet way.
• Pope John Paul II (1978–2005) was like a superstar, traveling the world and helping stop communism. His death in 2005 brought millions to Rome, and he’s buried in the Vatican crypt, not like Francis’ pick of St. Mary Major.

Francis was one of a kind, always close to us. He talked about saving the earth, helping refugees, and fixing Church mistakes, though some wanted him to do more about abuse. His legacy is a Church that feels like a big, warm hug, where everyone’s invited.

How We’re Feeling

When the Pope died, it was like the world stopped for a moment. French President Emmanuel Macron said Francis was “a warm glow of kindness.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called him a “shepherd who loved us all.” On X, people shared stories about Papa Francisco—how he prayed for peace in Gaza, visited people in tough places, and spoke kindly to the LGBTQ+ community. In Buenos Aires, candles lit up the Piramide de Mayo, a soft goodbye to their hometown hero.

His death comes when the world feels shaky, and his words about hope mean so much. Young Catholics especially loved how he cared about the planet and fairness, and now we’re all wondering what the Church will be like without his voice.

FAQ

One Last Hug

Pope Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, feels like losing someone who always knew how to make us feel seen. Papa Francisco gave us a Church that opens its arms, cheers for the underdog, and isn’t afraid to change. As the Vatican gets ready for the conclave to find who will be the next pope, we hold tight to his lessons of love and hope. From Pope John Paul II’s big adventures to Pope Benedict XVI’s gentle wisdom, Francis was our heart, making the world feel like one big family. We’ll miss him so much, but his love is still here, warming us up.