VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis, the 266th head of the Roman Catholic Church and the first pontiff from Latin America, passed away on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at Casa Santa Marta. He was 88 years old.
The Vatican confirmed his death, marking the end of a 12-year papacy defined by humility, progressive reforms, and a global commitment to social and environmental justice. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first Jesuit pope and the first non-European pontiff in more than a millennium.
A Legacy of Compassion and Reform
Pope Francis will be remembered for his efforts to modernise the Catholic Church and to speak out on pressing global issues. His leadership focused on:
- Advocating for the poor and marginalised
- Promoting interfaith dialogue
- Raising awareness of climate change, notably through his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’
- Acknowledging historic injustices, including the mistreatment of Indigenous people in Canadian residential schools, which he condemned as genocide
Despite recent health concerns, including a serious bout of double pneumonia, the Pope remained active until the end, delivering his final Easter blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica just a day before his passing.
UK Leaders and Politicians Pay Tribute
The death of Pope Francis has prompted a heartfelt response from UK leaders, reflecting the profound global impact of his papacy.
King Charles III issued a moving tribute:
“My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.
His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others. His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world.
Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.
The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.
We send our most heart-felt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.”
Other political leaders from across the UK also shared their condolences:
- UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said, “Deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. His tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I share my sincerest condolences to the whole Catholic Church”.
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Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party Leader: “Humility, courage, and conviction.”
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Sir Ed Davey, Liberal Democrats Leader: “A leader of compassion and courage.”
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Nigel Farage, Reform UK Leader: “My sympathies go out to all in the Catholic Church.”
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Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales: “An example of compassionate leadership.”
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John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland: “He brought comfort, assurance and hope.”
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Gavin Robinson, Democratic Unionist Party Leader: “Pope Francis was held in deep affection by many in Northern Ireland. We extend our respectful sympathies to all those grieving his passing. While many within the unionist community may hold different theological views, it is important to recognise the profound respect and admiration that many of our fellow countrymen and women had for the humble caretaker who entered the priesthood and died as the head of the Roman Catholic church. At this moment, we acknowledge their sorrow and offer our sincere condolences”.
Faithful from around the world have begun gathering in St. Peter’s Square, mourning a leader who consistently championed empathy, humility, and inclusion. The Vatican has confirmed that the conclave to elect Pope Francis’s successor will convene between 6 and 11 May 2025.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of deep compassion, fearless moral leadership, and a renewed focus on humanity’s shared responsibility to care for one another and the planet. His memory will endure in the hearts of millions.
