The passing of Pope Francis is a cause of great sorrow. The Vatican released a video message conveying the sad news that Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away.
Pope Francis Death: Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88 on April 21, 2025. He passed away at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City, where he had resided until his final days. The Vatican confirmed this sad news on Monday, stating that he suffered from double pneumonia, which progressively deteriorated his health.
Pope Francis's death is a significant loss for the Catholic community worldwide.
Prolonged Illness
Pope Francis had been battling health issues for a considerable time. He was hospitalized on February 14, 2025, for treatment of double pneumonia and, after nearly a month of medical care, was discharged. His condition remained precarious, and he spent his remaining time at his Vatican residence.
After returning home from the hospital on March 24th, he met and blessed a large number of people, who welcomed him with immense joy.
Pope Francis had experienced significant health complications previously. One lung had been removed in his youth due to infection, causing him ongoing respiratory problems. He was also hospitalized in 2023 due to a lung infection.
Pope Francis's Life and Contributions
Pope Francis's life was dedicated to religion, peace, and serving humanity. As the first Latin American Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, his papacy was particularly dedicated to the poor and marginalized sections of society. He devoted his life to the service of God and worked for the poor, refugees, and other needy individuals. His simplicity, secular outlook, and commitment to social justice earned him global respect.
Pope Francis consistently advocated for peace, brotherhood, and justice worldwide. He believed that all humans are children of the same God and that we must fulfill our duties towards Him. He consistently aided those whose voices are often suppressed, such as refugees, the poor, and the sick.
Planned Visit to India
Pope Francis's death has also sparked discussions about his planned trip to India in 2025. The Indian government had extended an official invitation. Union Minister George Kurian confirmed the possibility of the visit, tentatively scheduled for sometime after 2025. 2025 was declared a Jubilee year by the Catholic Church, and Pope Francis was expected to be welcomed in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also personally invited the Pope to visit India. However, his passing prevents this visit from taking place.
In his final days, Pope Francis delivered a significant message, urging world leaders not to succumb to fear in their political positions. He believed fear divides people and hinders peace. He appealed for the proper utilization of resources to help the needy, fight hunger, and encourage development initiatives.
In his Easter message, Pope Francis stated, "I appeal to all political leaders not to succumb to fear. We need to unite instead of separating from each other. We must use our resources to help those most in need." This message will forever remain in people's hearts.
Pope's Extraordinary Contribution
Pope Francis not only fulfilled his role in religious matters but also voiced his opinions on numerous global social issues. His work was particularly significant for environmental protection, refugee rights, and global peace. He initiated many poverty alleviation programs and maintained communication with leaders of other religions to promote religious tolerance. His contributions were not limited to the Catholic Church; he worked towards positive change in global politics, society, and religion.
