Pope Francis passes away, leaving millions in mourning

On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88 due to complications from a stroke that led to coma and irreversible heart failure. His death came just a day after he made his final public appearance during Easter Sunday services, where he greeted thousands of people in St. Peter's Square. This marked a significant moment in the Church’s history as Francis was known for his approachable demeanor and emphasis on reaching out to the marginalized and the youth. Following his death, over 250,000 mourners gathered on April 26, 2025, in St. Peter's Square to pay their respects during his funeral service. Notable attendees included various world leaders, such as President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, alongside other dignitaries from more than 164 countries. The ceremony took place in front of St. Peter's Basilica, where Pope Francis had been laid to rest. His body was subsequently moved to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment, diverging from the traditional practice of resting in the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica. His funeral proceedings highlighted his legacy as 'a pope among the people,' commemorated for his openness and connection with the youth. As his coffin was carried out, the atmosphere was marked by moments of heartfelt applause from the assembled crowd. The importance of his tenure was evident in the emotional farewell he received and the impact he had made throughout his papacy. In the aftermath of the funeral, the process of choosing his successor, known as the Conclave, is set to commence. This will happen approximately 15 to 20 days following his death, pending the presence of cardinals eligible to vote, further indicating the profound impact his passing will have on the future of the Catholic Church.