VATICAN CITY — The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis today, marking the end of a transformative and often polarizing 12-year papacy. The 88-year-old pontiff, who had been battling severe health issues, including a recent bout of double pneumonia, passed away peacefully at his residence in Casa Santa Marta. His death comes just one day after a brief but symbolically significant meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. As the Catholic Church mourns, attention turns to Francis’ legacy, his recent illness, and the steps to elect his successor.

A Final Meeting with JD Vance

On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis, despite his frail condition, met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at Casa Santa Marta. The encounter, lasting only a few minutes, was described by the Vatican as an opportunity to “exchange Easter greetings.” Vance, a Catholic convert since 2019, expressed gratitude for the meeting, telling the pontiff, “I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health,” according to Vatican Media. Francis gifted Vance three large chocolate Easter eggs for his children, along with a Vatican tie and rosaries, in a gesture of goodwill.

The meeting was notable given the public tensions between Francis and Vance over the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Francis had sharply criticized mass deportation plans, calling them a “disgrace” and a “major crisis” for the U.S., while Vance defended the policies by citing the medieval Catholic concept of ordo amoris (order of love). In a February 2025 letter to U.S. bishops, Francis rebuked Vance’s interpretation, emphasizing the parable of the Good Samaritan and a “love that builds a fraternity open to all, without exception.” Despite their differences, the Easter meeting appeared to be a moment of reconciliation, with Vance posting on X afterward, “Today I met with the Holy Father Pope Francis. I am grateful for his invitation to meet, and I pray for his good health.”

Vance’s Vatican visit also included a Saturday meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, its foreign minister. The discussions focused on international conflicts, migration, and religious freedom, with the Vatican noting an “exchange of opinions” on the Trump administration’s policies. The brief encounter with Francis on Sunday, however, carried significant symbolic weight, especially as it was one of the pontiff’s final public acts.

Pope Francis’ Recent Illness and Health History

Pope Francis’ health had been a growing concern in recent years, culminating in a severe illness that led to his death. In February 2025, he was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome for what was initially diagnosed as severe bronchitis. The condition worsened into a “polymicrobial infection” and double pneumonia, requiring a five-week hospital stay. At one point, physicians considered halting treatment to allow him to die peacefully, and he was also diagnosed with mild renal insufficiency. Despite his discharge in March, Francis remained frail, relying on a wheelchair and limiting public appearances. His Easter Sunday blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, delivered via a clergy member, was a testament to his determination to fulfill his duties despite his declining health.

Francis’ medical history shaped his papacy. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, he had part of one lung removed at age 21 due to a severe infection, making him more susceptible to respiratory issues. Throughout his papacy, he faced multiple health challenges, including sciatica, knee pain, and intestinal surgeries, yet maintained a rigorous schedule until his final months. His resilience was evident in his continued advocacy for migrants, the poor, and environmental causes, even as his physical strength waned.

A Transformative Papacy

Elected on March 13, 2013, as the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas, Francis sought to make the Catholic Church more inclusive and compassionate. His papacy was marked by a focus on social justice, interfaith dialogue, and environmental stewardship, notably through his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’. He opened roles to women and LGBTQ+ individuals, changed church teaching to declare capital punishment inadmissible, and prioritized care for migrants, often clashing with conservative factions within the Church and global political leaders.

However, his progressive stances drew criticism from traditionalists, including some U.S. bishops and figures like Vance, who accused the Church of straying from doctrine. Francis’ February 2025 letter to U.S. bishops, condemning mass deportations and correcting Vance’s theology, underscored his willingness to confront powerful figures directly. His appointment of Sister Raffaella Petrini as the first woman governor of Vatican City, effective March 1, 2025, was a final reformist act to secure his legacy.

Steps to Replace Pope Francis

With Francis’ death, the Catholic Church enters a period known as sede vacante (vacant see), during which the College of Cardinals will convene to elect a new pope. The process, governed by the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, unfolds as follows:

  1. Preparation and Notification: The Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell, will manage the Vatican’s day-to-day affairs and officially confirm the pope’s death. Cardinals worldwide will be summoned to Rome, with preparations for the conclave beginning immediately.
  2. General Congregations: Over the next few days, cardinals will meet in General Congregations to discuss the state of the Church and logistical arrangements. These meetings also allow informal discussions about potential candidates, though campaigning is discouraged.
  3. Conclave: Within 15 to 20 days of the pope’s death (likely early to mid-May 2025), the conclave will begin in the Sistine Chapel. Only cardinals under 80 years old—currently about 130—are eligible to vote. They will be sequestered, taking an oath of secrecy, and vote in sessions (up to four ballots per day) until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority.
  4. Election and Announcement: Once a pope is elected, he will be asked if he accepts and what name he will take. The Dean of the College of Cardinals will announce “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”) from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, introducing the new pontiff to the world. White smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney will signal a successful election.
  5. Inauguration: The new pope will celebrate an inaugural Mass, officially beginning his papacy. The timing depends on the conclave’s duration, but it typically occurs within days of the election.

The upcoming conclave is expected to be highly politicized, given Francis’ progressive reforms and tensions with conservative factions. Potential candidates, or papabili, include Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy, a diplomat aligned with Francis’ vision), Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, known for his pastoral charisma), and Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary, a conservative canon lawyer). The choice will hinge on whether cardinals seek continuity with Francis’ reforms or a return to traditionalism.

A Global Church in Mourning

As tributes pour in, Pope Francis is remembered as a “pope of the poor” who challenged the powerful and sought to bridge divides. His final meeting with JD Vance, a figure he publicly disagreed with, reflected his commitment to dialogue even in his waning days. The Catholic Church now faces a pivotal moment, as the election of the next pope will shape its response to a rapidly changing world.

The Vatican has not yet announced funeral arrangements, but a nine-day mourning period (novendiales) is expected, with global leaders likely to attend. For now, the faithful gather in St. Peter’s Square, praying for Francis’ soul and the future of the Church he led with unwavering conviction.