On Monday, April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 in Vatican City. He died at the Saint Martha House after struggling with medical issues, including double pneumonia. Despite his frail health, his death came as a surprise to many, especially since he had just appeared at St. Peter’s Basilica for his final public event on Easter Sunday, just one day before his death.
Pope Francis had served as the leader of the Catholic Church for 12 years, after being elected in 2013. His funeral was held in Vatican City, and after the ceremony, he was carried through Rome to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he was laid to rest.
The process of selecting the next pope began on May 7, 2025, with the College of Cardinals meeting in a conclave. The new pope, Pope Leo XIV, was elected soon after. Pope Leo XIV is the first Pope born in America, making history. His birth name is Robert Francis Prevost, and he was born in Chicago in 1955. Before becoming pope, he graduated from Villanova University in 1977. His father was a WWII Navy veteran and superintendent, while his mother was a librarian and active in their parish community.
Although the loss of Pope Francis has left a big impact on the Catholic Church, many are eager to see what direction Pope Leo XIV will take as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.