Is the world still reeling from the weight of grief, or has the veil of mourning begun to lift? The passing of Pope Francis, at the age of 88, on April 21, 2025, marked the end of an era and left an undeniable void in the hearts of Catholics worldwide, a pontificate defined by mercy, reform, and a relentless focus on the marginalized. The echoes of his words, his actions, and his unwavering faith continue to resonate, even as the Church navigates the uncharted waters of a new papacy.
The news, delivered on that somber Monday morning in Rome, rippled across the globe with the speed of digital communication. EWTN, the global Catholic network, swiftly mobilized, broadcasting live coverage, prayer vigils, and reflections on the life and legacy of a leader who had captured the world's attention. The Vatican, too, began the meticulous process of documenting the final hours of Pope Francis, sharing details of his final moments with the faithful. His last public act, a blessing delivered on Easter Sunday from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, now took on a poignant resonance, a final farewell to the world he had so passionately embraced.
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 21, 2025, Vatican City |
| Age at Death | 88 years |
| Nationality | Argentinian, Vatican City |
| Languages | Spanish, Italian, Latin |
| Career and Religious Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Ordination to Priesthood | December 13, 1969 |
| Ordination as Bishop | June 27, 1992 |
| Elevation to Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Election as Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Predecessor | Pope Benedict XVI |
| Successor | (To be determined) |
| Previous Positions | Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
Reference: Vatican.va
Prior to his death, Pope Francis had faced a number of health challenges, including a respiratory tract infection that prompted both concern and prayer from around the globe. News of his health and hospitalization were closely followed, with updates shared through various media outlets. These were not isolated incidents; the pontiff's advanced age had inevitably led to some health concerns in the final years of his pontificate. February 14, 2025, witnessed the initial reports regarding the respiratory issues, highlighting the fragility of the human condition, even for the leader of the world's Catholics. The Vatican staff of the Catholic News Agency, a service of EWTN News, provided the earliest reports, keeping the public updated on the Pope's condition.
The pope's last public act took on a new meaning. It was a reflection of a man who constantly emphasized God's mercy, who believed in forgiveness for all. The joy of the gospel was at the center of his actions, his words and teachings. The phrase "mercy and the joy of the gospel" encapsulated the essence of his papacy. This perspective, expressed by EWTN News, found its way into the hearts of many.
The news of his passing came on Monday, April 21, 2025, Rome time. Michael Warsaw, the Chairman of the Board and CEO of EWTN, expressed his grief, reflecting the emotional impact of the moment for Catholics worldwide. This sorrow was shared across the Catholic world. EWTN played a crucial role in guiding the Catholic community through the period of mourning, providing prayers and devotion, and facilitating the funeral mass from the Vatican.
The importance of prayer was very clear. From the beginning, calls for prayer were sent out through different channels to the public. The prayer vigil for the Pope's health on Sunday at St. Peter's Square, presided over by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, was a significant event. The rosary was prayed for the repose of Pope Francis's soul on the eve of his funeral mass.
Pope Francis, as it turned out, had met with a number of people, including the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, within weeks of his death. These meetings reflect his continued engagement with world leaders until the very end. Additionally, the Pope's interaction with the media, like when he greeted them with surgeon Dr. Sergio Alfieri before leaving Rome's Gemelli Hospital, demonstrates his connection with the world outside the Vatican walls.
The Church's global reach and mission was clear during this difficult time. The National Catholic Register and the Catholic News Agency, along with over 500 radio affiliates, offered prayers for the Pope. The entire network was heavily engaged, keeping its audiences informed.
The legacy of Pope Francis is complex and multifaceted. His pontificate, marked by a commitment to reform and a profound emphasis on mercy, inevitably provoked reactions. There were nuances to the Pope's relationships and actions, as critics of EWTN and even the Pope himself would come to observe. This was particularly true for the film, "Faith of Our Fathers", a movie by EWTN of Ireland, that he gave his blessing. This situation illustrates the complex relationships involved.
The funeral of Pope Francis will be a significant event, one that will further shape the narrative surrounding his papacy. The passing of a leader like Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, prompts reflection. His life's journey from Argentina to the Vatican brought acts of charity, as he always marked his patron saint's feast on April 23. The world watched as he knelt in prayer before the revered Marian icon 'Salus Populi Romani' at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome on April 12, 2025. This image will remain imprinted in the memory of the global Catholic community.
It's important to understand that Pope Francis was not only a religious leader but also a public figure. The interview that he had on CBS's "60 Minutes" magazine program on Sunday evening brought a wide range of topics, including the war in Ukraine and antisemitism, into public discussion. The Pope's actions reflect the kind of leader he was one willing to engage with a variety of concerns.
It is a moment of great change. The loss of Pope Francis at 88 years old calls for reflection. The world mourns the loss of a leader who sought to bridge divides and emphasized the Gospel of mercy. In the coming days, the world will continue to reflect on his impact.
The role of EWTN has been very clear. The network joined with Catholics to mourn the death of Pope Francis, and the organization continues to provide coverage on the event, including prayer and devotions, funeral mass and related activities. From the campus in Irondale, Alabama, to Rome, the network made the event a global one.
Pope Francis frequently spoke about the importance of forgiveness, and repeatedly emphasized that "God never tires of forgiving us". This belief became one of the cornerstones of his papacy. His words and actions became central, even when speaking on the war in Ukraine or his view on antisemitism, which were also discussed at length in media interviews.
The Holy See's teachings and his remarks have been subjects of intense discussions. The Pope's view of the world has created a great deal of discourse. The actions of the Pope, though, came at a momentous time in world history, and the world watched with rapt attention.
The final hours and the legacy of Pope Francis will undoubtedly shape the future of the Catholic Church. The details released by the Vatican on Tuesday regarding his final hours will be widely studied for their insight. This is a time of reflection, mourning, and also a time to pray. Mass was offered in Irondale for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, and the Franciscan missionaries of the Eternal Word hosted vespers. These actions, along with the prayers and masses being said around the world, seek to honor Pope Francis and ask for eternal rest for him.
The Catholic community has responded with great sadness. The Pope's emphasis on mercy and joy remains central to his memory. The pontiff's last blessing of the entire world on Easter Sunday, delivered from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, concluded a ministry that transformed the Catholic Church and will be part of the historical and religious landscape for generations to come.
