Pope Francis has passed away: the results of his pontificate and candidates for his successor
21 april 2025 в 16:13
Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio) became the 266th pope in the history of Italy, succeeding former Pontiff Benedict XVI in that position. Choosing his name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, Francis was elected by the College of Cardinals over ten years ago. Now, after his death, fans are remembering his papacy.
Francis, who was the first Italian Jesuit pontiff from America and born outside of Europe, focused his papacy on fighting climate change and activism. Additionally, Francis called on everyone in the world to «love one another», - once publicly quoting a passage from the First Epistle of John: «Let us love one another, for love is from God. Everyone who loves is born of God… If God so loved us, we also ought to love one another».
Below you will learn about Francis’s papacy, including when he became pope, how he died, and who may succeed him.
Francis was 88 years old when he died.
Francis became the 266th pope in March 2013.
The Vatican did not disclose the official cause of Francis’s death. However, he passed away after battling several illnesses and health issues throughout his life. His final ailment was bilateral pneumonia in February 2025, which led to his hospitalization.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced Francis’s death on April 21, 2025. He said, «This morning at 7:35, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized».
According to Reuters, the following names are candidates for the next papacy:
Francis, who was the first Italian Jesuit pontiff from America and born outside of Europe, focused his papacy on fighting climate change and activism. Additionally, Francis called on everyone in the world to «love one another», - once publicly quoting a passage from the First Epistle of John: «Let us love one another, for love is from God. Everyone who loves is born of God… If God so loved us, we also ought to love one another».
Below you will learn about Francis’s papacy, including when he became pope, how he died, and who may succeed him.
Francis was 88 years old when he died.
Francis became the 266th pope in March 2013.
The Vatican did not disclose the official cause of Francis’s death. However, he passed away after battling several illnesses and health issues throughout his life. His final ailment was bilateral pneumonia in February 2025, which led to his hospitalization.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced Francis’s death on April 21, 2025. He said, «This morning at 7:35, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized».
According to Reuters, the following names are candidates for the next papacy:
© Artemenko Olga
