[White smoke coming out of the conclave chimney, Photo Credit to Pixabay]

Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and a global advocate for peace and social justice died April 21, 2025, at age 88 after battling severe health complications.

The pontiff’s death was announced following a prolonged struggle with double pneumonia and multiple health issues.

Francis had been hospitalized for five weeks, during which he was diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection and mild renal insufficiency.

He ultimately succumbed to complications from a stroke and heart failure on Easter Monday.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” announced a Vatican spokesperson.

Following his death, Francis’s body lay in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands of mourners paid their respects.

The scene drew massive crowds who formed long lines to honor the beloved pope.

World leaders, clergy, and hundreds of thousands of faithful attended a funeral mass held in St. Peter’s Square.

The service was broadcast live to millions of viewers globally, demonstrating the worldwide impact of Pope Francis’s ministry.

The traditional nine-day mourning period called the Novemdiales commenced after the funeral.

Throughout this period, mourners brought flowers, candles, and handwritten letters expressing their gratitude and sorrow to Vatican City.

Pope Francis will be remembered as a reformer who emphasized humility, care for the poor, and interfaith dialogue. 

He gained international recognition for his environmental advocacy, particularly through his 2015 encyclical “Laudato si,” which addressed care for the natural environment and all people, as well as complex questions regarding the relationship between God, humans, and the Earth.  

The late pope also made efforts modernizing the Church’s stance on social issues, calling for understanding, tolerance, and unity across different communities.

His papacy  marked a turning point for many Catholics who found in him  a voice of hope and progress.

The papal conclave to select Francis’s successor began on May 7.

During the conclave, cardinal electors were shut out from the outside world and began the selection process.

A candidate requires two-thirds of the cardinal electors’ votes to be elected pope.

The voting process involves cardinals writing their chosen candidate’s name on ballots while disguising their handwriting.

After each voting round, the ballots are burned. 

Black smoke indicates no decision has been reached, while white smoke signals the election of a new pope.

After four rounds of voting over two days, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. 

Pope Leo XIV makes history as the first American-born pope, though he is often associated with Latin America due to his extensive missionary work in Peru.

He was born in Chicago in 1955, and served as a bishop in Peru for over a decade, focusing on community development and theological education.

He is fluent in Spanish and has been involved in Latin American churches for most of his ministry.

Many Catholics express hope that Pope Leo XIV will continue Pope Francis’ legacy of compassion and global inclusivity. 

His election represents a historic shift and reflects the Church’s increasing focus on Latin America and global outreach.