Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, following a stroke and subsequent cardiac arrest. His death initiated a period of mourning and set the stage for the election of his successor.
The decision in who will be the next Pope could have a profound impact on the Catholic Church and the world’s 1.4 billion baptised Roman Catholics.
It also promises to be a highly unpredictable and open process for a host of reasons.
Pope Francis was known for having a less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors by, for instance, choosing to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae (House of St. Martha) guest house rather than in the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace used by previous popes. Francis made women full members of dicasteries in the Roman Curia, maintained that the Catholic Church should be more sympathetic towards LGBTQ people, and stated that although blessings of same-sex unions are not permitted, the LGBTQ individuals can be blessed as long as blessings are not given in a liturgical context.
Pope Francis was a critic of trickle-down economics, consumerism, and overdevelopment; he made action on climate change a leading focus of his papacy. He viewed the death penalty as inadmissible in all cases,[and committed the Catholic Church to its worldwide abolition.
Funeral
The funeral of Pope Francis is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will preside over the ceremony, which will include the traditional Ultima commendatio and Valedictio rites. Following the Mass, his body will be transferred to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome for burial, fulfilling his wish to be interred near the Marian icon Salus Populi Romani.
In line with his desire for simplicity, Pope Francis approved revised funeral rites that eliminate the traditional triple coffin and elaborate rituals. Instead, his body will lie in state in a simple zinc-lined wooden coffin, allowing the faithful to pay their respects. The funeral will be attended by numerous world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and leaders from Germany, Poland, Spain, Argentina, and Brazil.
Italy has declared five days of national mourning in honor of the late pontiff. The funeral marks the beginning of the traditional nine-day mourning period known as Novendiale.
History
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013. His election marked a historic moment as he became the first non-European pope in over a millennium, reflecting the Church’s global reach.
Early Life and Clerical Journey
Raised in a working-class family of Italian descent, Bergoglio entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958. He was ordained a priest in 1969 and later served in various leadership roles within the Jesuit order. His academic background includes studies in philosophy and theology, and he earned a doctorate in theology from the Colegio Maximo in San Miguel, Argentina.
Bergoglio’s pastoral work in Argentina was marked by a focus on social justice, humility, and a commitment to the poor. He was appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II.
Papal Election and Leadership
In March 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Bergoglio was elected pope. Taking the name Francis, he chose it to honor St. Francis of Assisi, symbolizing his dedication to poverty, humility, and care for creation. His papacy emphasized mercy, inclusivity, and reform within the Church.
Pope Francis initiated significant changes, including the Synod on Synodality, which aimed to make the Church more inclusive and participatory. He also addressed issues such as climate change, poverty, and the rights of refugees, advocating for a more compassionate and socially engaged Church.
Death and Succession
The 2025 papal conclave is scheduled to convene between May 6th and May 12th, 2025, to elect the next pope. While any baptised male Catholic is eligible, the College of Cardinals, which comprises 135 electors under the age of 80, is expected to choose the new pope. Notably, 80 percent of these electors were appointed by Pope Francis, potentially influencing the direction of the Church’s future leadership.
Potential Successors
Several cardinals are considered prominent candidates to succeed Pope Francis:
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70): Serving as the Vatican’s Secretary of State since 2013, Parolin is viewed as a continuity candidate, potentially maintaining Francis’s policies and reforms.
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, 67): Known as the “Asian Pope Francis,” Tagle is celebrated for his progressive views and outreach to marginalized communities. His election would further the Church’s engagement with Asia.
- Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Democratic Republic of the Congo, 65): Representing Africa, Ambongo Besungu is recognized for his conservative stance on certain doctrinal issues, offering a potential shift towards traditionalist perspectives.
- Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea, 70): A prominent conservative voice within the Church, Sarah’s election would likely emphasize traditional liturgical practices and teachings.
Transformation
The election of Pope Francis in 2013 marked a transformative era for the Catholic Church, characterised by a focus on humility, social justice, and global engagement. His successor will face the challenge of continuing his legacy while addressing contemporary issues within the Church and the world. The upcoming conclave will be a pivotal moment in determining the future direction of the Catholic Church.
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