THE VATICAN—(WGBW)— Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, passed away Monday (April 21, 2025) morning. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was also the Catholic church’s first Jesuit Pope. He was 88 years old.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the pontiff’s death early Monday morning.

“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. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” Farrell said. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.

Reactions to Pope Francis’ Death

“Until his final breath, he continued to bless the people and urging those in positions of power to truly live their faith, to treat foreigners ‘As your native-born. Love them as yourself.’
Darryl Morin, National President Forward Latino, Inc.

Bishop David Ricken

Bishop David L. Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay, issued a statement in response to the death of Pope Francis:

“Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“It is with great sadness that I heard of the death of our Holy Father. Pope Francis has been called from this life to eternal life, on this Easter Monday and today we begin a period of mourning and gratitude. We are sad to say goodbye to our Holy Father in this life and grateful for the gift of his papacy.

“As a Diocese and Church, we will be offering special Masses and prayers throughout the next several days for the repose of his soul and in gratitude for his long service of God and the Catholic Church as a priest, pastor, theologian, bishop, cardinal and the successor to Peter as Pope.

“His humility, great love and pastoral care for the marginalized and the poor and his commitment to interreligious dialogue are all hallmarks of his papacy. Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, “Evangelii Gaudium”, The Joy of the Gospel, called God’s people to embrace a new chapter of evangelization, one that is defined by the joy that comes from a relationship with Christ.

“He was the first non-European pope since the 8th century and will be remembered for his constant call to the faithful and all people of good will to protect all human life, be good stewards of God’s creation and to love all people, especially those most vulnerable among us.

“May God continue to guide and direct the Church in these most challenging times as we return this gift of a great “servant of the servants of God” to the One who loves him most.

Abbot Dane Radecki

Abbot Dane Radecki, O. Praem., of St. Norbert Abbey, issued a statement:

“Pope Francis modeled for the entire world how to live simply and serve the poor. He gave voice to the voiceless and lived for the disenfranchised. The world has lost a peacemaker and man of mercy. Rooted in the Gospel, he taught us to walk humbly with God. May Pope Francis rest in peace.“

Forward Latino

Forward Latino, a non-profit, non-partisan service and advocacy organization headquartered in Franklin, WI, with affiliates and members in 29 states, issued their response.

“This morning, the flock awakens to the sorrowful news that its shepherd has passed. A steadfast champion of immigrants and the intrinsic human dignity bestowed upon every soul at the moment of conception, he bore the weight of the marginalized and persecuted, feeling deeply responsible for their safety and well-being,” Forward Latino National President Darryl Morin said in a statement. “Refusing the trappings of wealth and prestige, he chose humility as his companion. Room 201 of the Vatican’s modest guesthouse became his home, and a small Fiat his means of transport— turning away from opulent papal apartments and limousines. He was, in every sense, a Pope for all believers, transcending barriers of wealth and status,”

“Until his final breath, he continued to bless the people and urging those in positions of power to truly live their faith, to treat foreigners ‘As your native-born. Love them as yourself.’ During this time of false and inflammatory rhetoric, of attacks on human dignity and promises of mass deportations, the flock awakens without its shepherd and is amongst the wolves. This morning, we pray for his spirit, ‘Dios te bendiga Papa Francisco,’” the statement ended.

Pope Francis is expected to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, as per his wishes. But first there will be a weeklong process allowing Vatican officials and the general public to pay their respects. Following the funeral, a new pope will be chosen during a gathering of cardinals, known as a conclave, tasked with electing the new pope.

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