15:14pm: (VIDEO) Pope Francis entombed in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome

14:56pm: Pope Francis Buried At St Mary Major

Pope Francis has been laid to rest at the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, the Vatican said.

13:15pm: Pope Francis’s Coffin Arrives At St. Mary

Pope Francis’s coffin has arrived at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore also known as St Mary Major in Rome where he will be buried.

12:47pm: Coffin of Pope Francis on the move

Pope Francis is now on his way to his final resting place at the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Thousands have gathered along the route, many standing in silence as the cortege slowly moves forward. His coffin rests in a simple popemobile, reflecting Francis’ value for simplicity

11:37am: More than 250,000 people at Pope Francis’s Burial: Vatican

A new statement released by the Vatican has revealed that ocer 250,000 people were present at the Pope Francis’s burial.

“The competent authority informs us that, while the funeral of Pope Francis has ended, more than 250,000 people are present,” the statement reads.

10:27am:(VIDEO)Vatican Shares Holy Communion At Pope Francis’s Burial

09:49am: Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re Delivers the Homily for Pope Francis’s Burial Mass

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re in his homily speech delivered during Pope Francis’s burial mass eulogised the late pontiff, saying that he knew how to communicate to the “least among us” with an informal, spontaneous style.

Battista Re called Francis “a pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone”. He recalled the last image many people have of Francis was of him delivering what would become his final blessing on Easter Sunday, and saluting from the popemobile in the same piazza where his funeral was being celebrated.

He also said Pope Francis’s efforts to help refugees, migrants and poor people were “countless.”

09:25am: Stamer, Wife Present At Pope Francis’s Burial

Keir Starmer with his wife Victoria are currently at St Peter’s Square to attend Pope Francis’s burial.

09:23am: Zelensky Arrives For Pope Francis’s Burial

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has touched down in Vatican City, Rome, Italy, to attend Pope Francis’s burial ceremony at St Peter’s Square.

09:02am: Prince William Arrives For Pope Francis’s Burial

Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales has also arrived for Pope Francis’ burial ceremony at St Peter’s Square at the Vatican on April 26, 2025.

08:47am: (VIDEO) Watch Trump Pray In Front of Pope Francis’s Coffin

U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. First Lady Melania have arrived for Pope Francis’s burial. Shortly after their arrival, they went to pray for a few moments in front of the coffin of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica before the funeral this morning.

08:33am: Hungary’s Delegation arrives For Pope Francis’s Burial

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban his wife Anikó Lévai and Hungary’s President Tamas Sulyok with his wife Zsuzsanna Nagy have arrived ahead of thePope Francis’ funeral ceremony at St Peter’s Square at the Vatican on April 26, 2025.

08:31am: Kenyan President Arrives Rome

President of Kenya William Ruto is the latest dignitary to arrive in Rome, Italy, to join other world leaders and Catholic faithful for Pope Francis’s burial.

08:24am: Biden Arrives For Pope Francis’s Burial

Former President of the United States Joe Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden have arrived for Pope Francis’s burial ceremony at St Peter’s Square in The Vatican on April 26, 2025.

08:07am: Heavy security Deployed to Pope Francis’s Burial Venue

Thousands of police, bomb squads, snipers, and even a naval destroyer have been deployed to protect world leaders gathering at St. Peter’s Basilica for Pope Francis’s burial.

Also, helicopters, fighter jets, and plainclothes officers are all on standby.

08:00am: D-Day! Huge Crowds Flock To Vatican For Pope Francis’s Funeral

It is finally the day for Pope Francis’s burial. Thousands of people are already at the Vatican City to witness Pope Francis’s burial who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025 at the age of 88 years.

22:12pm: Pope Francis’s Coffin Sealed

The lie-in-state event held in honour of Pope Francis has now been concluded. This is as Pope Francis’s coffin has been sealed.

It was sealed during a private ceremony, attended by Vatican officials and some of the Pope’s family members.

Pope Francis’s burial is now set for Saturday when thousands of people will come to the Vatican to pay their final respects.

18:34pm: Akpabio Arrives Rome, Pays Tribute at Pope Francis’s Lying-in-State

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio arrived in Vatican City, Rome, Italy, on Friday to represent Nigeria at the lying-in-state of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

It was gathered that Akpabio, who is leading a high-powered five-member Nigerian delegation, went straight to pay his final respect to Pope Francis, whose coffin is inside St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands have gathered to honour the late pontiff.

14:24pm: Fascinating? Smoke used to convey Conclave’s message after electing a new Pope

To the outside world, the only information about how the conclave is progressing is smoke from the chapel’s chimney when ballot papers are burned after each round of voting.

Black smoke signals failure. White smoke means a new Pope has been chosen. The new Pope normally appears on the balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square within an hour of his selection.

The senior cardinal confirms the decision with the words “Habemus Papam” – Latin for “we have a Pope” – and introduces the new pontiff by his chosen papal name.

13: 47pm: A Brief About How Cardinals Will Conduct Voting for Pope Francis’s Successor

With Pope Francis’s burial and succession plans taking shape, Pan-Atlantic Kompass explains briefly how cardinals vote for a new pope.

During the voting period, the Cardinals are cut off from the outside world. They are denied phones and access to the internet or newspapers. They sleep in Casa Santa Marta, a five-story guesthouse within the Vatican complex.

The election is held in strict secrecy inside the Sistine Chapel, famously painted by Michelangelo. Each cardinal votes for the candidate they wish to become Pope. They can vote for themselves if they wish.

A new Pope is elected when a candidate has secured the support of 90 cardinals, which can take several rounds of voting. In previous centuries, conclaves have gone on for weeks or months. The longest Conclave was almost three years long.

13:15pm: Pope Francis’s Tomb Unveiled

As Pope Francis’s burial and succession plans edge closer, his tomb located at the St. Mary Major has been unveiled.

It was gathered that the tomb was prepared with materials from the Italian region of Liguria.

It is a simple tomb bearing only the inscription “Franciscus” and a reproduction of the late Pope’s pectoral cross.

09:24am: Over 125,000 people have now seen Pope Francis’s body

Ahead of Pope Francis’s burial scheduled for Saturday, more that 125,000 people have been able to enter St Peter’s Basilica to pay their respect to the late pontiff.

Thousands of people are still on the queue to pay their final respects to Pope Francis.

08:35am: Final day before Pope Francis’s Burial

Friday is the final day for mourners to pay their respects to Pope Francis, before his funeral is held on Saturday.

St Peter’s Basilica will remain open until 18:00 local time (17:00BST) for those still hoping to file through to view his body lying in state and pay homage to him.

Pope Francis’s burial ceremony will kick off at 10:00 am on Saturday as he will become the first Pope in more than a century not to be buried in the crypt at St Peter’s – he will instead be laid to rest at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome.

13:47pm: Dybala, Ranieri Pay Final Respect To Pope Francis

Footballer Paulo Dybala and Manager Claudio Ranieri paid respects to Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday.

11:29am: Doctor Provides New Update on Pope Francis’s Death: “He Died Without Suffering”

As Pope Francis’s burial and succession plans continue to move forward, the head of Pope Francis’s medical team, Sergio Alfieri, on Thursday, has provided a fresh update on the pontiff’s passing, confirming that Pope Francis died quickly and without suffering.

Alfieri, a physician at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, stated that Pope Francis suffered an unexpected stroke without suffering undue pain, stating that there was nothing that doctors could have done to save his life.

He said: “I entered his rooms and he (Francis) had his eyes open. I ascertained that there were no respiratory problems. And then I tried to call his name, but he did not respond to me.

“At that moment I knew there was nothing more to do. He was in a coma.”

According to Alfieri, some officials who were present with the pope suggested moving him immediately back to the hospital.

“He would have died on the way. Doing a scan we would have had a more exact diagnosis, but nothing more. It was one of those strokes that, in an hour, carries you away,” he added.

09:47am: Over 48,000 People Have seen Pope Francis’s Body, Vatican Confirms

Vatican says that as of 8.30 on Thursday 48,600 people have paid homage to His Holiness Pope Francis in his Lying In State in St. Peter’s Basilica.

This comes as Pope Francis’s burial event enters day two.

08:23am: Thousands of People Queue At St. Peter’s Basilica As Pope Francis’s Burial Rite Enters Day Two

Thousands of people have converged at St Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, to attend the ongoing lie-in-state event held in honour of Pope Francis.

It was gathered that crowds stretched down the main boulevard leading through Rome into the Vatican, pressing forward slowly to see the pontiff in his open coffin.

Public viewing will continue until Friday, while Pope Francis’s burial ceremony will be held on Saturday.

14:50pm: Peter Obi joins global leaders to honour Pope Francis in Rome

Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined thousands of mourners, global dignitaries, and clergy today at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, to pay his final respects to the late Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 as Pope Francis’s burial and succession arrangements create a spectacle in the Vatican.

This comes as the Vatican officially kickstarted Pope Francis’s burial ceremony with a lie-in-state at St Peter’s Basilica.

11:03am: Pope Francis’ coffin to be closed Friday evening

The Vatican has shared more details of Pope Francis’s burial ceremony. The Vatican announced that Pope Francis’ coffin will be closed on Friday.

The public have been advised to visit Pope Francis as he lies in state until 19:00 local time Friday. At 20:00 the rite of the closing of the coffin will take place at St Peter’s Basilica led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the “camerlengo” – the man who’ll be running the Vatican until a new Pope is elected.

The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, will also attend. He will be leading the funeral service on Saturday and then convene the conclave to select Pope Francis’s successor.

10:15am: Public enter St Peter’s Basilica to see Pope Francis

St Peter’s Basilica has officially been opened for people to pay their final respects following Pope Francis’s death.

08:44am: (VIDEO) The moment Pope Francis’s Coffin Arrived at St Peter’s Basilica

Pope Francis’s coffin has been brought into St Peter’s Basilica to the singing of the Litany of the Saints as the world turns towards Pope Francis’s burial and succession.

His remains will now be on display until 7pm on Friday, for those who wish to pray for his soul by his coffin.

08:38am: Pope Francis’s coffin carried into St Peter’s Basilica

Pope Francis’s body arrived at Saint Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday to lie in state before his weekend funeral.

This comes as the Vatican officials kick off a three-day mourning period following Pope Francis’s death.

13:16pm: Things To Know About the Papal Conclaves as Pope Francis’s burial and succession plans take centre stage

Cardinals play a central role in the papal election, known as a conclave. There are currently 252 Catholic cardinals, but only 135 are eligible to vote for a new pope as they must be under 80 years of age to partake.

Here’s a breakdown of the number of cardinals by continent:

Europe: 114

Asia: 37

South America: 32

Africa: 29

North America: 28

Central America: 8

Oceania: 4

When it comes to voting power, here’s a look at the number of electors:

Europe: 53

Asia: 23

Africa: 18

South America: 17

North America: 16

Central America: 4

Oceania: 4

The youngest member of the College of Cardinals is the Ukrainian-born Melbourne bishop Mykola Bychok, 45. The oldest is 99-year-old Angelo Acerbi, a veteran of the Vatican diplomatic service.

12:36pm: Italy Declares Five Days of Mourning

Italy’s government has declared five days of national mourning following the death of Pope Francis. The mourning will last until Saturday when the late pontiff’s funeral will be held outside St Peter’s Basilica.

11:55am: Brazil’s President Lula To Attend Pope Francis’s burial ceremony

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced that he will travel to Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, scheduled for Saturday.

Paying tribute to the late Pope, President Lula praised his commitment to fighting poverty and climate change. He also fondly recalled his love of football, calling him “the most Brazilian of Argentinians.”

11:28am: EU Commission President Joins List Of Dignitaries To Attend Pope’s burial ceremony

European Union (EU) Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is the latest to announce her decision to attend Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday as Pope Francis’s burial and succession plans take off.

She joins several leaders who have said they will attend the ceremony, including US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron.

10:02am: Early List of World Leaders Attending Pope Francis’s Burial

Hundreds of world leaders and religious figures are likely to attend the funeral, alongside thousands of worshippers.

As the Vatican announced that Pope Francis’s funeral would take place on Saturday, the list of prominent individuals that have confirmed their attendance has emerged.

Within hours of Francis’s death, Argentinian President Javier Milei said he would attend the service. Also, United States President Donald Trump has revealed he will travel to Vatican City alongside First Lady Melania Trump.

French President Emmanuel Macron has also confirmed that he will be there.

9:18am: Vatican Announces Pope Francis’s Burial Date

The Vatican has announced Pope Francis’s funeral has been scheduled to take place on Saturday, 26 April at 10:00 local time (09:00 BST).

The Vatican also revealed that Pope Francis will be taken to St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning.

The Pope’s coffin will be there until the burial for the public to pay their respects. His body is currently laid out in a coffin in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence, where he lived during his 12-year papacy.

08:23am: (PHOTOS) New Images Showing Pope in Open Coffin Emerge

In the early hours of Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the Vatican released pictures of Pope Francis lying in his open coffin, dressed in a red robe with the papal mitre on his head and a rosary in his hand. The pictures were taken in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, Francis’s residence at the Vatican.

07:34am: The Pope’s Final Wishes Revealed

The final wishes of Pope Francis has been revealed. It was gatthered that the late Pope expressed his wish to be buried in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.”I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey,” he was quoted to have said.

The pontiff was also said to have asked for a tomb “without ornamentation” and with only the inscription “Franciscus”.

Day 2– Pan-Atlantic Kompass reporting live on Pope Francis’s burial and succession

20:50pm: (VIDEO)Mass held at Pope Francis’s home church in Argentina

20:40pm: We Will Miss You, says Lionel Messi

Inter Miami and Argentina forward Lionel Messi in his tribute said: “Thank you for making the world a better place.”

21:37pm: Pope Francis’ Cause of Death Revealed

Pope Francis died of a stroke followed by heart failure on Monday morning, the Vatican’s press office said in a statement released Monday evening.

Francis’ death was also affected by other ailments, including a “previous episode of acute respiratory failure,” arterial hypertension and type II diabetes, the statement added.

The statement was signed by the Director of the Health and Hygiene Directorate of the Vatican City State, Andrea Arcangeli.

18:34pm: “Pope Francis’ Impact Will Be Missed”–Ramaphosa

President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, said that “Catholics and people of all faiths are saddened” by the passing of Francis, who “sought to unite humanity and wished to see a world governed by fundamental human values.”

He added that “Pope Francis advanced a world view of inclusion, equality and care for marginalized individuals and groups, as well as responsible and sustainable custody of the natural environment.”

Pope Francis’s burial and succession here live

18:06pm: “Pope Francis Was A Humble Servant”–Tinubu

In an emotional statement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Pope Francis as “a humble servant of God” and “a tireless champion of the poor.”

He said: “Today, with a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions. His passing, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.

“His Holiness served the Church and the Master of the Church until the end. In 2013, he stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten.”

16: 28pm: (VIDEO) Moment Bells Rang Across the Vatican to Mark the Death of Pope Francis

In a moment of deep sorrow, the Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis, and the sound of bells ringing out from the Vatican served as a poignant tribute to his enduring legacy. Watch below:

16:26pm: Trump Directs Flags Flown at half-staff

Following the demise of Pope Francis, US President Donald Trump has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff as a “mark of respect for the memory”.

The President said the order, which is effective immediately, applies to “all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment.”

He also included “United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”

15:40pm: Just In! Vatican Set To Lead Prayer Service For Pope Francis ar St Peter’s Square

The Vatican has announced that it will hold a prayer service in St Peter’s Square on Monday night at 19:30 local time (18:30 BST). A statement issued on the official X(formerly Twitter) account of the Vatican said that Cardinal Mauro Gambetti will recite the rosary.

The statement reads: “His Eminence Cardinal Mauro Gambetti will preside over the recitation of the Holy Rosary for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis this evening at 7:30 PM (Rome Time) in St. Peter’s Square.”

15:39pm: Vatican Website Removes Pope Francis

The official homepage of the Vatican’s website has officially effected some changes following the demise of Pope Francis.

The homepage of the website now reads “Apostolica Sedes Vacans”, which means that the “seat is vacant.”

Yesterday, it had a picture of the Pope and information relating to his leadership.

15:35pm: “He will Forever Be Remembered For his Humility and Compassion”–Modi

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi in his tribute said: “Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community.

“Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ.

“He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope. I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace.”

15:33pm: “Pope Francis Is An Example of Mercy”–Domenicali

Italian motorsport executive and the CEO of Formula One Group, Stefano Domenicali in his tribute said: “I carry in my heart the touching memory of a gaze that transmitted peace; you could see from far away his extraordinary humanity and his spiritual strength.

“Pope Francis was an authentic example of dialogue, kindness and mercy. He leaves behind a profound legacy that will remain with us all forever. We will miss his smile, so true and deep.”

15:30pm: “He Was an Expectional Leader”–Higgins

Irish President Michael D Higgins has also paid tribute to Pope Francis. He said: “Pope Francis, in his important messages and in the presentation of his papacy with a unique humility, sought to show in the most striking and moving of ways the extraordinary importance of the spiritual as a powerful source of global ethics in the challenges of contemporary life.”

15:25pm: “He Gave Us Hope, He will Be Missed”–Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his heartfelt tribute, stated: “Millions of people around the world are mourning the tragic news of Pope Francis’s passing. His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church. He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who look to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory!”

15:20pm: “Pope Francis Is a Moral Compass in a Troubled world”– Peter Obi

Former Anambra Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, in his reaction said: “I received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. His death marks the end of another era in the spiritual and moral leadership of the Catholic Church and the wider world.

“Throughout his life and pontificate – during which I had the privilege of meeting him on three occasions – Pope Francis embodied the virtues of faith, hope, and compassion. He led with humility, spoke with wisdom, and acted with moral courage. He constantly strove to draw humanity closer to the ideals of peace, justice, and love. His deep concern for the poor, his steadfast advocacy for moral leadership, and his defence of human dignity earned him the admiration of people across all faiths and nations.”

14:54pm: “Despite Differences Pope Francis Remained Kind”–Milei

Argentina’s President Javier Milei has said he feels “profound sorrow” at the death of the Pope.

He said that “despite differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his kindness and wisdom was a true honour for me”.

Milei had clashed severally with the Pope in the past. He had called the pontiff a socialist and insults including the devil’s representative on earth and an “imbecile”.

However, in his tribute on Monday, the President softened his tone towards the Pope as he also announced seven days of national mourning.

14:50pm: Trump Bids Farewell

United States President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”

14:45pm: “There Will Be No One Like Him”–Biden

Former US President Joe Biden in his tribute said the Pope was “unlike any who came before him” and would be remembered as among the most “consequential leaders of our time”

14:27pm: Stamer: “Francis Left A Lasting Legacy”

In his tribute, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Stamer said the Pope will ‘leave a lasting legacy’

In a post on social media platform X, he said he is “deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis”.

“His tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy.” Starmer continues by saying “his leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the Church was courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility”.

The prime minister also said he “was a Pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten”.” On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I share my sincerest condolences to the whole Catholic Church,” he added.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, has died at age 88, the Vatican announced in a video statement on Monday morning.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed that the Bishop of Rome has “returned to the house of the Father.”. The announcement comes just as the holy week was rounding off on Easter Monday.

Pope Francis had been discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on March 23 after a 38-day stay for double pneumonia and made a brief public appearance on Easter Sunday, riding through St. Peter’s Square in an open‑air popemobile and offering a special blessing for the first time since Christmas.

Elected on March 13, 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio—who took the name Francis in tribute to St. Francis of Assisi—shook up centuries‑old Vatican traditions with his emphasis on humility, social justice, and care for the poor. He chose to live in the modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace and launched sweeping reforms to address clerical sex‑abuse scandals and modernize Vatican finances.

In his brief announcement of Pope Francis’s passing, Cardinal Farrell urged the faithful to pray for the late pontiff. He said, “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” before sharing the time of his passing.

Tributes have since poured in from heads of state, religious leaders, and millions of Catholics worldwide, many recalling his calls for peace, interfaith dialogue, and environmental stewardship.

The papal interregnum now begins, and the College of Cardinals is set to convene in the Sistine Chapel for the 2025 conclave to elect Francis’s successor. With nearly 80% of the cardinal electors appointed by Francis himself, observers believe his progressive legacy may continue to influence the choice of the next pope.

Pope Francis’s burial and succession arrangements have not yet been officially announced, though tradition suggests a solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica followed by burial in the Vatican grottos. As the Church mourns, many are already reflecting on a pontificate that spanned global crises—from the refugee exodus and climate emergencies to the COVID‑19 pandemic—and reshaped the papacy for a new generation.

What to Know About Pope Francis

1. Early Life and Jesuit Vocation

• Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents.
• Joined the Society of Jesus in 1958 and was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1969, later serving as provincial superior in Argentina from 1973 to 1979.

2. Rise Through the Church Hierarchy

• Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992 and Archbishop in 1998; created Cardinal in 2001.
• Elected the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, following Benedict XVI’s resignation—the first Jesuit and first non-European pope in over a millennium.

3. A Pontificate of Reform and Humility

• Chose the name Francis in homage to St. Francis of Assisi, signaling his focus on poverty, humility, and care for creation.
• Opted to live in the modest Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace and favored simpler transport.
• Launched sweeping reforms: financial transparency in the Vatican, new roles for women in the Roman Curia, and measures against clerical sexual abuse.

4. Key Teachings and Writings

• Advocated for the poor, migrants, and refugees; famously asked “Who am I to judge?” regarding LGBTQ individuals as he attempted to pander towards their sentiments, something that sparked huge controversies in the church.
• Authored major encyclicals: Laudato Si’ on environmental stewardship (2015) and Fratelli Tutti on human fraternity and social friendship (2020).

5. Global Outreach and Diplomacy

• Made over 65 international trips—never returning to Argentina—visiting conflict zones and forging interfaith dialogue, including historic visits to Iraq and Myanmar.
• Brokered the U.S.–Cuba thaw and negotiated with China on bishop appointments, underscoring his diplomatic reach.

6. Health and Final Days

• Battled chronic sciatica and multiple hospital stays, including a 38-day admission for double pneumonia in early 2025; made several public appearances afterward.
• Passed away on April 21, 2025, at age 88 in the Domus Sanctae Marthae.

7. Legacy and the Road Ahead

• Remembered for reshaping the papacy with a “no-frills” style, championing social justice, and pushing the Church toward greater transparency and inclusivity.
• The College of Cardinals will convene for the 2025 conclave, largely composed of prelates he appointed, potentially extending his reformist vision into the next pontificate.

…With News Wires reporting Pope Francis’s burial and succession

Pan-Atlantic Kompass