Update About Pope Francis: Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936) served as the first Latin American pope from March 13, 2013, until he passed away on April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. in Vatican City after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest. He’d battled double pneumonia earlier in the year but surprised everyone by waving to 35,000 cheering faithful from his popemobile on Easter Sunday, even thanking his nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, for arranging that tour. After his peaceful passing, his body was carried in solemn procession to St. Peter’s Basilica, laying in state for three days as tens of thousands queued to pay respects. His funeral Mass is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square.
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Who Is Pope Francis?
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936. He joined the Jesuits in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. Over years he became Archbishop of Buenos Aires before being elected pope on March 13, 2013 – the first Jesuit and first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church. Known for his modesty, he lived in a simple guesthouse, rode in an ordinary car, and often spoke in clear, kind words. He focused on helping the poor, caring for refugees, and protecting Creation, earning both deep respect and criticism during his 12-year papacy.
The Latest Update About Pope Francis.
On Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, Pope Francis suffered a severe stroke followed by irreversible heart failure and passed away at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, at 7:35 a.m. local time. He had spent five weeks in hospital earlier this year fighting double pneumonia, yet returned to greet pilgrims in his popemobile on April 20. After his death, Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the news to the world, and the traditional rituals began: sealing his private apartment, breaking his Fisherman’s Ring, and preparing his funeral.
On April 23, his casket was moved to St. Peter’s Basilica, where an open-casket viewing drew massive crowds – photo after photo shows Swiss Guards flanking his coffin as cardinals and priests chanted Latin hymns. Over the next three days, faithful came from morning until midnight to file past and say their final farewells. His funeral will be a historic gathering, with heads of state like Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, and Prince William expected to attend, and a conclave to choose his successor set to begin no earlier than May 6.
pope francis letter to jd vance
Just days before his passing, Pope Francis held a private audience with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday at the Vatican. In a pope francis letter to jd vance, dated February 10, 2025, the pope gently challenged Vance’s use of the medieval “ordo amoris” (order of love) to justify strict immigration policies. Francis wrote:
“Christian love is not a concentric expansion of interests that little by little extends to other persons and groups… The true ordo amoris … is that which we discover by meditating on the parable of the Good Samaritan, by meditating on the love that builds a fraternity open to all, without exception.”.
Vance later called himself a “baby Catholic” and admitted he had more to learn about the faith – an exchange showing Francis’s commitment to care for migrants and his willingness to speak truth to power. Watch Video Click Here
pope francis hockey
You might not expect it, but pope francis hockey is a real story! On September 27, 2019, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Semi-Annual Congress in Rome was honored with a papal audience. IIHF President René Fasel led 180 guests to meet Francis in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall. The pope praised hockey as “a good example of how sport can express a sense of community” and noted virtues like humility, courage, and patience on the ice. In thanks, the IIHF presented him a Vatican-branded jersey and a bronze hockey-player sculpture – symbols of friendship between the hockey world and the Church.
pope francis cross
Pope Francis chose to wear a simple, silver pope francis cross instead of the usual jeweled gold one. Crafted decades ago by Giuseppe Albrizzi in Italy, it depicts Jesus as the Good Shepherd with a flock at his shoulders and a dove above. Over the years, the cross darkened as he carried it into the slums of Buenos Aires, where the poor kissed it – embedding their tears and hopes into the metal. By keeping that humble cross, Francis reminded everyone of his call to serve “the least of these”.
pope francis glare
Even popes have meme moments! In May 2017, during a private photo with President Donald Trump, a split-second pope francis glare went viral online. The pope’s face looked deadpan next to Trump’s grin, spawning jokes about Francis’s seriousness citeturn5news12. In reality, photographers say it was just one quick shot and Francis smiled warmly in other frames – proof that even the head of the Church has candid, human moments.
How You Can Help
Pope Francis dedicated his life to the poor, migrants, and the vulnerable. To honor his memory and continue his mission, consider donating to the Peter’s Pence fund, the Vatican’s official charity. You can give securely at.
Conclusion
This update about Pope Francis has taken us through his final public moments, his gentle rebukes in the pope francis letter to jd vance, his unexpected embrace of pope francis hockey, the humble symbol of his pope francis cross, and that unforgettable pope francis glare that revealed his very human side. His passing on April 21, 2025, after a stroke and heart failure marked the end of a papacy defined by simplicity, solidarity with the poor, and bold calls for reform. If you wish to honor his legacy, please consider donating to the Peter’s Pence fund – your gift helps continue his mission of charity around the world.
