On Monday, April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away the day after Easter from a stroke, and irreversible heart failure at age 88. He spent his final moments in Domus Sanctae Marthae, in Vatican City, according to CBS News.
The National Catholic Reporter stated more than 250,000 people gathered the next day to celebrate the life of the Pope at his funeral inside the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. This followed his funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. NBS News reports that Foreign Delegations from 164 countries attended the funeral, including President Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Joe Biden, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
According to New York Times, about 130 cardinals will vote on a successor for Francis, and a two-thirds majority is needed to elect the New Head of the Roman Catholic Church. The Conclave is reported to begin on May 7. The New York Times says that cardinals have a little over a week to discuss, campaign, and prepare against other cardinals. Generally, a Conclave must begin 15-20 days after the Pope’s death; this one will start 16 days later.
Pope Francis is most remembered by Catholics for his courage, humanity, and his emphasis on God’s Mercy.