Pope Francis dies at 88 | Living in Monaco

Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the first from Latin America, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

The Vatican confirmed that he died peacefully at 7:35 a.m. local time in Vatican City, following complications from double pneumonia after a prolonged hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital.

A Papacy of Firsts

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in more than 1,200 years. Elected on March 13, 2013, he chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, symbolizing his deep commitment to humility, environmental stewardship, and the poor.

Champion of Reform and Social Justice

Throughout his transformative 12-year papacy, Pope Francis was revered for his efforts to modernize the Church and address pressing global concerns. He led the Vatican through one of its most reformative periods, speaking out on issues such as clergy abuse, poverty, climate change, immigration, and LGBTQ+ civil rights. His vision of a more inclusive and compassionate Church drew praise and criticism in equal measure, especially from more conservative factions.

He published the influential encyclical Laudato si’ on the environment, reshaped the Church’s stance on family and social issues, and called for greater accountability within the Vatican. His messages often reached beyond the walls of the Church, resonating with people of all faiths — and none.

Final Days and Legacy

Despite worsening health, Pope Francis remained active in his duties until the final weeks of his life. His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, where he delivered a brief but heartfelt blessing to a packed St. Peter’s Square.

Tributes have poured in from around the world, with leaders and faith communities remembering him as a spiritual giant, a man of the people, and a tireless voice for the voiceless.

As the Church enters its mourning period, funeral preparations are underway in Vatican City. Cardinals from across the globe will soon gather for the Conclave, where a new pope will be elected in the coming weeks.

Visits to Monaco: A Personal Connection to the Principality

Though Monaco is a small nation, Pope Francis held a special regard for the Principality and its strong commitment to humanitarian and environmental causes.

He made two official visits to Monaco during his papacy — in 2015 and again in 2022. His first visit was marked by a private audience with Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène, where discussions focused on climate action and the role of faith-based leadership in sustainability. It was during this meeting that Pope Francis commended Monaco’s ecological efforts, echoing themes from Laudato si’.

His second visit in 2022 coincided with the Monaco Humanitarian Forum, where the Pontiff delivered a powerful address on compassion, dignity, and global solidarity. Held at the Oceanographic Museum, the event drew leaders from around the world. Pope Francis called on both secular and religious institutions to “protect the Earth and uplift the suffering.”

During his time in Monaco, he also visited the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, where he celebrated a special Mass attended by thousands of faithful. His presence in the Principality left a lasting spiritual impression and strengthened ties between Monaco and the Vatican.

A Life Remembered

Pope Francis will be remembered as a humble reformer, a bridge-builder, and a servant of peace. His historic papacy not only redefined the global role of the Catholic Church but also reminded millions of the power of compassion in an increasingly divided world.

As Monaco joins the world in mourning, the bells of the Cathedral in Monaco-Ville toll in honor of a pope who truly lived by his motto: