Pope Francis has died

The pontiff passed away on Easter Monday.

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, Vatican News reports .

It is noted that the Pope passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, in the Vatican’s Santa Marta residence.

What is known about Pope Francis?

Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to an Italian immigrant family. He entered the Jesuit order in 1958, received a philosophical and theological education, and was ordained a priest in 1969.

In 1998 he became Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and in 2001 he became a cardinal. He is known for his modesty, social activism, and support for the poor.

On March 13, 2013, he was elected the 266th Pope, becoming the first pontiff from Latin America, the first Jesuit, and the first to take the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Pope Francis has advocated for interreligious dialogue, environmental responsibility, reform of the Roman Curia, and compassionate treatment of all people, including those from marginalized communities.

Pope’s statements about Ukraine

Pope Francis has repeatedly spoken out about the war in Ukraine, calling for peace and dialogue. In February 2025, he called Ukraine a “martyr” and called for prayers for the victims of all armed conflicts.

How a new Pope is elected

After the death or resignation of the Pope, the conclave process begins – a gathering of cardinals responsible for choosing a new pontiff. The main stages:

Preparation: Within 15-20 days after the Pope’s death, cardinals from all over the world arrive at the Vatican.
Participation: Only cardinals under the age of 80 have the right to vote. There are usually about 120 of them.
Voting location: The conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals are isolated from the outside world.
Voting: Up to four votes are held each day—two in the morning and two in the evening. A candidate must receive two-thirds of the vote to be elected Pope.
The result: If the Pope is elected, the cardinals burn the ballots with a special chemical that creates white smoke. If not elected, the smoke is black.
Announcement: The elected cardinal takes the name and appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the phrase: “Habemus Papam” – “We have a Pope.”

(C)UNIAN 2025