Pope Francis, the 266th and current pope of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died in his residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City, following complications from a cerebral stroke and cardiac arrest.

Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, has broken with tradition when it comes to where he is being laid to rest – choosing a light-filled basilica instead of the grottoes of the Vatican. Popes are usually buried within Vatican City,

Pope Francis‘ death came weeks after he was hospitalized for bronchial and pneumonia-related setbacks, but the late pontiff still returned to his duties. After delivering his annual Easter prayer to the public,