Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio) grew to become the 266th pope in Italy’s historical past, succeeding former Pontiff Benedict XVI. Choosing his title in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, Francis was elected by the School of Cardinals greater than a decade earlier than his demise. Now that Francis has died, mourners are trying again on his papacy.

Francis, who was Italy’s first Jesuit pontiff from the Americas and born outdoors of Europe, centered his papacy on talking out about local weather change and activism. Moreover, Francis inspired everybody world wide to “love each other,” as soon as publicly quoting a passage from the First Letter of John, “Allow us to love each other, as a result of love is of God. Everybody who loves is begotten by God. … If God so cherished us, we additionally should love each other.”

Beneath, study Francis’ papacy, together with when he grew to become pope, how he died and who could possibly be his successor.

How Previous Was Pope Francis?

Francis was 88 years outdated when he died.

When Did Francis Change into the Pope?

Francis grew to become the 266th pope in March 2013.

How Did Pope Francis Die?

The Vatican has not shared the official explanation for demise for Francis. Nonetheless, he died after battling a number of sicknesses and well being setbacks all through his life. His most up-to-date ailment was bilateral pneumonia in February 2025, which he was hospitalized for.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell was the one to announce Francis’ demise on April 21, 2025. He mentioned, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. He taught us to stay the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, braveness, and common love, particularly in favor of the poorest and the marginalized.”

Who Will Be the Subsequent Pope?

In response to Reuters, the next names are candidates for the subsequent papacy:

Jean-Marc Aveline, archbishop of Marseille; 66 years outdated; French
Cardinal Peter Erdo; 72 years outdated; Hungarian
Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary normal of the Synod of Bishops; 68 years outdated; Maltese
Cardinal Juan Jose Omella, archbishop of Barcelona; 79 years outdated; Spanish
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican diplomat; 70 years outdated; Italian
Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle; 67 years outdated; Filipino
Cardinal Joseph Tobin, archbishop of Newark, N.J.; 72 years outdated; American
Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Vatican official; 76 years outdated; Ghanaian
Matteo Maria Zuppi, Italian, archbishop of Bologna; 69 years outdated; Italian