Pope Francis, the 266th and current pope of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died in his residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City, following complications from a cerebral stroke and cardiac arrest.

Pope Francis is breaking with tradition when it comes to where he will be laid to rest – choosing a light-filled basilica with an intriguing history instead of the grottoes of the Vatican.

Pope Francis‘ death came weeks after he was hospitalized for bronchial and pneumonia-related setbacks, but the late pontiff still returned to his duties. After delivering his annual Easter prayer to the public,