It is with profound sorrow and reverence that we announce the passing of Pope Francis, the 266th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, on this day, April 21, 2025. His Holiness passed peacefully, surrounded by prayer and the love of the faithful around the world.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first Pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit Pope, and the first to take the name Francis — a powerful symbol of humility and devotion to the poor, inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis became a global voice for compassion, justice, and mercy. He championed the dignity of the marginalized, emphasized care for the environment, and tirelessly called for peace, dialogue, and unity among people of all faiths and backgrounds. His warmth, humility, and courage resonated far beyond the walls of the Vatican.

In his life and ministry, Pope Francis reminded the world that true greatness is found in serving others, in lifting up the forgotten, and in walking gently with both conviction and kindness. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

We join the world in mourning this monumental loss — and in giving thanks for a life so fully devoted to love, to truth, and to the enduring hope of the human spirit.

May he rest in eternal peace.

“Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.”
— Pope Francis

Profound sorrow for the death of Pope Francis

Sr. Raffaella Petrini, Archbishop Emilio Nappa and Atty. Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, respectively President and the Secretary Generals of the Governorate, together with Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, President Emeritus, join the entire Church in mourning for the passing of beloved Pope Francis, whose papacy was a blessing for the whole world.

He is remembered as a promoter of peace who, with great authority, defended freedom and human dignity, firmly opposing armed conflict as a means of resolving international disputes.

Throughout his pontificate, Francis promoted interreligious and intercultural dialogue, constantly calling all people to seek what unites rather than what divides them, pointing to the values of solidarity and civility in building societies that are more human-centered. He showed particular attention to friendship and love of neighbor, always keeping a special focus on the poor, forgotten and most vulnerable.

The State’s governing bodies, together with all the employees of the Governorate of the Vatican City State in all its Departments and Offices, join with the Church’s liturgy for the departed, lifting their prayers to God for the late Pontiff.

Pope Saint Francis is the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church and a global symbol of compassion, humility, and justice. Known for his focus on serving the poor, protecting the environment, and building bridges between communities, he has become a beacon of hope not only to Catholics, but to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit Pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to take the name Francis — a tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi and his deep love for peace, humility, and the natural world.

This website is dedicated to celebrating and sharing the message of goodwill that Pope Francis has so powerfully modeled throughout his papacy. While we are not officially affiliated with the Pope or the Vatican, and we make no claim to represent him directly, our mission is simple: to amplify his spirit of kindness, inclusion, and love — and to inspire others to carry that same light into their communities. We hope this space becomes a source of inspiration, reflection, and unity for all who visit.