Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88 in his residence at the Vatican. The news was confirmed by the official Vatican news account on Instagram.
“Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in his residence at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican,” the statement read.
A Life of Faith and Service
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis came from a working-class family of Italian descent — his father was a railway worker. Initially trained as a chemical technician, he later chose a spiritual path and entered seminary. He continued his theological education in Chile and later at the Colegio de San José in San Miguel, Argentina.
He was ordained as a priest on December 13, 1969. Over the years, he rose through the ranks of the Catholic Church, serving as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Primate of Argentina, Cardinal, and earning a doctorate in theology.
On March 13, 2013, he was elected the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church — the first from Latin America and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy.
Health Struggles in Final Months
In February 2025, Pope Francis was hospitalized at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital following a bout of bronchitis. Doctors later diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia. Though reports in late February noted some clinical improvement, the Pope passed away two months later.
Previously, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, former Vatican Minister of Culture, had suggested that the Pope might consider stepping down due to health concerns.
Relations with Kazakhstan
In early 2024, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid an official visit to the Vatican and held an audience with Pope Francis. During his visit, the President toured the Vatican Museums, admired Michelangelo’s frescoes, and extended an invitation for Vatican leadership to visit Astana.
A Legacy of Compassion and Dialogue
Pope Francis will be remembered as a spiritual leader who championed interfaith dialogue, social justice, and human dignity. His papacy was marked by a call for peace, compassion, and unity during times of global crises, pandemics, and conflict.
The global Catholic community mourns the loss of its spiritual shepherd. Details regarding the funeral and memorial services will be announced in due course.
