Pope Francis dies on 4/21/25

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Pope Francis Dies, Triggering Succession Process LINK

ROME—Pope Francis died on Monday morning, the Vatican said, ending a 12-year pontificate that shook up the Catholic Church while challenging traditional teachings on topics from divorce to homosexuality, and triggering a succession process that will likely center on whether to continue his progressive legacy.

The 88-year-old pope’s death came after he spent weeks in the hospital earlier this year to treat a serious bout of pneumonia. His health remained fragile after he returned to his residence in the Vatican.

Francis died at 7:35 a.m. on Monday local time, the Vatican’s camerlengo, or chamberlain, Cardinal Kevin Farrell said.

“With deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” said Cardinal Farrell, an American citizen who will now run the Vatican until a new pope has been elected. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”

Francis made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday, when he blessed a crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square and was then driven around the square in his open-top popemobile. He also met briefly with Vice President JD Vance on Sunday.

The pope’s passing will lead, after a period of mourning, to a conclave or gathering of cardinals at the Vatican to elect a new leader for the global Catholic Church and its estimated 1.4 billion faithful.