Condolence Message on the Passing of Pope Francis

With deep sorrow and profound respect, we mourn the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who left this world on April 25, 2025, at the age of 88 in Vatican City.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis rose from humble beginnings to become a guiding light for millions around the globe. As the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, he made history as the first Pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy.

Throughout his papal journey, Pope Francis was known for his humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the poor and marginalized. His deep sense of justice, his call for peace, and his efforts to reform the Church earned him admiration not only within the Catholic community but also across all faiths and nations.

Pope Francis’ legacy is marked by countless moments of courage and humanity—from praying with refugees and visiting conflict zones to addressing pressing issues such as climate change, social inequality, and interfaith dialogue. His words and actions consistently reflected the core values of mercy, love, and inclusion.

We remember and honor the many milestones of his spiritual leadership: his elevation to cardinal in 2001, his historic election as Pope on March 13, 2013, and the countless acts of grace that followed. Even in his later years, despite health challenges, he remained steadfast in his mission of hope and unity.

The world has lost a deeply loved and influential spiritual leader. As we grieve, we also give thanks for the extraordinary life and legacy of Pope Francis—a shepherd of peace, a servant of the people, and a true embodiment of faith in action.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Key Moments in the Life and Legacy of Pope Francis

April 25, 2025 – Pope Francis passes away peacefully at the age of 88 in Vatican City, leaving behind a profound legacy of humility, compassion, and reform.

May 20, 1992 – Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires, marking the beginning of his episcopal journey.

February 28, 1998 – Succeeds Cardinal Antonio Quarracino as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, becoming the leading prelate of the Argentine capital.

February 21, 2001 – Elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope Saint John Paul II, formally becoming Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

March 13, 2013 – Elected the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Francis. He becomes the first Pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit Pope in history.

April 13, 2013 – Establishes an informal council of eight cardinal advisors to assist in Church governance and curial reform.

May 12, 2013 – Canonizes the Martyrs of Otranto, acknowledging their sacrifice and faith.

July 8, 2013 – Embarks on his first journey outside Rome to Lampedusa, where he meets migrants and condemns global indifference to their plight.

May 25, 2014 – During a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, makes a symbolic and powerful stop to pray at the separation wall in Bethlehem, advocating for peace and justice.

June 8, 2014 – Hosts the Presidents of Israel and Palestine in the Vatican Gardens for a historic interfaith peace prayer.

July 10, 2015 – In Bolivia, issues an apology for the Church’s role in colonial injustices against indigenous peoples of the Americas.

February 18, 2016 – Prays at the US-Mexico border, remembering and honoring the lives of migrants who perished seeking refuge.

December 1, 2017 – Meets Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, offering a heartfelt message: “Today the presence of God is also called Rohingya.”

August 3, 2018 – Under his leadership, the Church officially declares the death penalty inadmissible in all cases, marking a significant doctrinal shift.

November 24, 2019 – In Hiroshima and Nagasaki, solemnly proclaims the use and possession of nuclear weapons as immoral, emphasizing peace and disarmament.

July 4, 2021 – Undergoes intestinal surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital; 33 centimeters of his colon are removed in a delicate procedure.

June 7, 2023 – Endures a second intestinal surgery to remove scar tissue and repair a hernia, demonstrating continued resilience amid health challenges.

February 14, 2025 – Hospitalized due to worsening bronchitis, which later develops into a severe lung infection and pneumonia.

March 23, 2025 – Discharged after 38 days of intensive treatment, showcasing remarkable strength and spirit in recovery.