By Business Connect Magazine | April 21, 2025
The world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, aged 88. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced, “The Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” marking the end of a transformative 12-year papacy.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,300 years. His papacy, which began in 2013 following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, was defined by humility, social justice, and bold reforms. From choosing to live in a modest Vatican guesthouse to advocating for the poor and marginalized, Francis earned global admiration for his “no-frills” approach.
A Legacy of Reform and Unity
Francis’s tenure was marked by groundbreaking initiatives, including the 2015 encyclical Laudato si’, which championed environmental stewardship, and historic apologies to survivors of clergy sexual abuse. He fostered dialogue with non-Catholics and non-Christians, promoting unity in a divided world. His recent approval of a three-year reform plan aimed to enhance women’s roles in the Church and include non-clergy in governance.
Despite battling severe health challenges, including a 38-day hospitalization for double pneumonia in early 2025, Francis remained steadfast. His medical team described his survival as “a miracle,” but his frail condition ultimately led to his passing.
Global Tributes and What Lies Ahead
World leaders, religious figures, and 1.4 billion Catholics have expressed profound grief. Flags across the Vatican and Catholic institutions are at half-mast. The Vatican has entered a sede vacante period, with a nine-day mourning period, Novendiale, underway. The College of Cardinals will soon convene in a conclave to elect a new pope, a process expected to draw global attention.
Pope Francis’s legacy as a “true disciple of the Lord Jesus” will endure, inspiring millions to live with compassion and courage. Follow Business Connect Magazine for updates on the Vatican’s transition and the global impact of this historic moment.
