Pope Francis, the Roman Catholic Church's 266th pontiff, died on April 21, 2025, aged 88. His death ended a revolutionary 12-year reign that transformed the Church's handling of social justice, interfaith engagement, and self-reforms. As the Church's first Latin American leader, Francis had espoused the cause of the poor, fought for climate change action, and mollified the Church's approach on some of the more divisive matters though in no ways controversy-free.
The Catholic Church is at a crossroads now. The next papal conclave will decide if the Church continues Francis's progressive reforms or takes a more conservative turn. This article covers:
1. Pope Francis's last days and the cause of his death
2. The immediate aftermath: Funeral, burial, and handover of power
3. The papal conclave: Contenders and factions
4. The future of the Catholic Church with a new pope
5. Global reactions and the legacy of Pope Francis
1. The Final Days and Death of Pope Francis
Declining Health and Last Public Appearance
Pope Francis had been suffering from chronic respiratory ailments since the beginning of 2025, when he was hospitalized for bronchitis and double pneumonia. In spite of short periods of recovery, his health deteriorated because of complications arising from diabetes and hypertension. His last public outing was on Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025), when he gave the customary Urbi et Orbi blessing from St. Peter's Square. Hours later, he had a stroke and fell into a coma before he died the following morning. Announcement of Death
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo (Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church), officially declared the pope dead at 9:45 AM Rome time, reporting:
At 7:35 this morning, Francis, Bishop of Rome, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was given to service of the Lord and his Church.
The Vatican subsequently announced the cause of death as cerebral stroke resulting in cardiac arrest.
2. The Funeral and Burial: Breaking Tradition
A Simplified Ceremony
Unlike his predecessors, Pope Francis asked for a simple funeral with no elaborate ceremonies. His instructions, as contained in the updated Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (2024), were:
One wooden coffin (rather than the usual three nested coffins)
No raised platform for public display (underscoring humility)
Burial at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica (rather than the Vatican crypts)
World Leaders in Attendance
The funeral, which was conducted on April 26, 2025, at St. Peter's Square, attracted:
-U.S. President Donald Trump
French President Emmanuel Macron
Argentine President Javier Miles (Francis's native country)
Prince William (on behalf of the British monarchy)
More than 250,000 mourners showed up, with millions more watching all over the world.
3. The Papal Conclave: Who Will Be the Next Pope?
The 2025 Conclave will start on May 7, with 138 cardinals under 80 being eligible to vote. The election has a two-thirds majority, and the proceedings are confidential conducted in the Sistine Chapel, with black or white smoke indicating the outcome.
Likely Contenders
A number of prominent contenders are in the running:
1. Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70)
Vatican Secretary of State since 2013
Perceived as a continuity candidate, to maintain Francis's reforms
Good diplomatic experience, particularly in China-Vatican relations
2. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, 67)
First Asian pope should he be elected
Progressive on social justice but conservative on doctrine
Well liked in the Global South, where Catholicism is expanding
3. Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana, 76)
May be the first Black pope in centuries
Champion of climate action and poverty alleviation
Centrist on LGBTQ+ issues, speaking out against tough African anti-gay legislation
4. Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary, 72)
Conservative favorite, supported by traditionalists
Against LGBTQ+ rights, women's ordination
Close connection to right-wing European politics
5. Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea, 79)
Ultra-conservative, who is critical of Francis's reforms
Linked to far-right conspiracy theories in accusation
Won't likely get it but wields significant sway among traditionalists
Factional Battles
The conclave divides into:
Progressives (supporting Francis's legacy)
Conservatives (urging a move back to rigid doctrine)
Moderates (weighing reform vs. tradition
Given that 80% of voting cardinals were appointed by Francis, a progressive successor is probable but surprises are possible.
4. The Future of the Catholic Church
Potential Scenarios
1. Continuity Under a Moderate Pope (e.g., Parolin or Tagle)
Maintains outreach to marginalized groups
Continues climate advocacy
Maintains talk with Islam and other religions
2. Conservative Backlash (e.g., Erdő or Sarah)
Restores Latin Mass restrictions
Toughens stance on abortion, divorce, LGBTQ+ rights
Runs the risk of alienating younger, liberal Catholics
3. A Compromise Candidate
Seeks to balance reform and tradition
Emphasizes governance within the Church instead of revolutionary change
Challenges Ahead
Falling Church attendance in Europe & North America**
Expansion in Africa & Asia** (where opinions are more conservative)
Financial scandals and abuse cases by clergy** carrying over from previous decades
Growing secularism worldwide
5. International Reactions and Legacy of Pope Francis
Tributes of World Leaders
Pope Francis was a shepherd of deep moral clarity Canadian PM Mark Carney
A voice for the poor and oppressed Brazilian President Lula da Silva
A transformative spiritual leader Venezuelan President Maduro
His Enduring Legacy
Championing of migrants and refugees
Historic interfaith dialogues (e.g., with Islam)
Push for environmental justice (Laudato Si’)
Controversial shifts (e.g., openness to civil unions)
Conclusion: What Comes Next?
Pope Francis' passing closes one door, but the future of the Catholic Church is in question. The conclave of 2025 will decide whether the Church presses onward into progressive development or falls back into convention.
One thing is certain: Francis's legacy will last, as a reformist icon or a warning to conservatives. While the cardinals meet in the Sistine Chapel, the world waits—anticipating white smoke that will signal the next head of 1.3 billion Read More
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