Pope Francis: Latest News & Updates On His Death And Legacy
Can a single life truly reshape the course of a global institution? The papacy of Pope Francis, spanning a decade, proved unequivocally that it can, leaving an indelible mark on the Roman Catholic Church and the world.
Our live coverage on the death of Pope Francis has concluded for the day, but the echoes of his papacy resonate still. The world, and especially the Catholic faithful, continues to absorb the profound impact of his leadership. The passing of Pope Francis marks not an end, but a transition, a moment for reflection on a pontificate defined by its simplicity, its embrace of the marginalized, and its tireless pursuit of dialogue. Details of the events, from his final days in Vatican City to the solemnity of his funeral, continue to unfold. Please scroll through the posts below for the latest developments, the world grieves and celebrates the life of a remarkable leader. The process of selecting a new pope is normally a closely guarded affair. A pope is normally chosen through a series of closed-door meetings known as a conclave. The intricacies of this process, steeped in tradition and mystery, are now in motion, with the College of Cardinals set to convene in Rome to choose the 267th successor to St. Peter.
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | January 2024, Vatican City |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Education | Master's Degree in Chemistry, Philosophy, and Theology |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordained | Priest: December 13, 1969 |
| Episcopal Ordination | Archbishop of Buenos Aires: May 20, 1992 |
| Created Cardinal | February 21, 2001, by Pope John Paul II |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Key Initiatives | Laudato Si' (environmental encyclical), promotion of interfaith dialogue, emphasis on social justice |
| Legacy | Simplicity, humility, and a focus on the poor and marginalized. |
| Reference | Vatican Website |
Francis ushered in a new era of leadership of the Roman Catholic Church when he was elected pope in 2013. As the first pope from the Western Hemisphere, the first from South America, and the first from the Jesuit order, Francis brought many reforms. His papacy was marked by an unprecedented emphasis on global issues like climate change, encapsulated in the papal encyclical Laudato Si' (2015), which addressed the climate crisis. His efforts to promote unity between Catholics and non-Catholics, and indeed, between people of all faiths, were also a hallmark of his tenure. Watch ABC News live coverage of the funeral for Pope Francis on Saturday starting at 3:30 a.m. ET on ABC stations and streaming on ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. The world will witness the culmination of a life dedicated to service.
The details surrounding the Pope's daily life offered a glimpse into his personal simplicity. Pope Francis usually returned to the Santa Marta dining room around 1 p.m. The food served was in the style of a typical Italian trattoria. According to visitors, he was not a fussy eater at all, happily eating anything he was given. However, Pope Francis admitted that he was particularly fond of one famous Italian specialty. Images of Francis are distributed as faithful pay their respects to Pope Francis inside St. Peters Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where his body will lie in state for three days. The Pope & Head of the State. The Pope is the leader of the Catholic Church and the head of the Vatican City.
He generally resides in the Apostolic Palace, a grandiose building that houses his offices, living quarters, and chapels, however, the current Pope Francis preferred to remain in the Vatican guesthouse, demonstrating a preference for a more modest lifestyle. A general view as the body of Pope Francis is transferred into the basilica at St Peters Square on April 23, 2025, in Vatican City, Vatican. By Catholic Philly staff, posted April 24, 2025. As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, Catholic Philly invites readers to join in prayer and remembrance through live coverage of the events, capturing the raw emotions of those who loved him and the institution he led.
The reason Francis opted for simplicity instead of luxury is in keeping with his lifestyle before being elected pope. As ABC News notes, when he was given the job of Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, Bergoglio declined to live in the city's bishop's palace and instead lived in a small apartment downtown. This commitment to a more humble existence shaped not only his personal life but also his vision for the Church. The parish can commit to reading and discussing the book over a period of time during which everyonepastor, staff, and parishionersattempts to live more simply in the spirit of Pope Francis. Vogts strategies for living more simply include the following: focusing on reducing waste, consuming less, and prioritizing relationships over material possessions.
Pope Francis, 88, died Monday morning at the Vatican. The popes last public appearance was on Easter Sunday at St. Vice President J.D. Vance had just met with the pope on Sunday, reflecting the global significance of the Vatican and its leader. Pope Symmachus constructed the palace to serve as an alternative residence to the Lateran Palace. Pope Eugene III sponsored the construction of a second fortified palace. The palace underwent modifications in the 12th century under Pope Innocent III. Major additions and decorations of the palace took place under the leadership of various popes, each leaving their imprint on the building's history and legacy.
Pope Francis was admitted to Romes Gemelli Hospital on Friday to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican said. This wasnt the first time his health had been a concern; he had previously been hospitalized on February 14 following meetings with a number of people, including the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico. The Popes window from which he delivers the Angelus. This photograph, taken March 9, shows the study in the residence where Pope Francis has stayed since his election at the Vatican. The pope has decided not to move into the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, but to live in a suite in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the guesthouse built in 1996 to house cardinals during a conclave.
Vatican City, Mar 23, 2025 / 06:22 AM. Pope Francis was admitted to Romes Gemelli Hospital on Friday, Feb. 14, to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis. Follow here for the latest news. Successor talk swirls as 61,000 pay homage to Pope Francis: Live updates. Vatican may extend hours as huge crowds line up to honor Pope Francis. Who will be the next pope? Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the leader of its 1.29 billion adherents, has lived within the walls of the city since he was appointed in 2013. Francis had the moral authority to speak truth to power because he walked his talk. He led 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide but approached the job like...
Pope Francis lives in the Vatican City, specifically in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse, which reflects his personal preference for simplicity. Where is the residence of the Pope located? The Apostolic Palace, nestled in the heart of Vatican City, serves as the official residence of the pope, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. However, Pope Francis chose a more communal setting, a decision that further underscores his commitment to humility and accessibility.
