Breaking: Pope Francis Is Dead

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known globally as Pope Francis, has passed away at the age of 88 at his residence in Casa Santa Marta within the Vatican.

Born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis died peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, according to an official statement.

Just a day earlier, on Easter Sunday morning around 11:30 a.m., the Pope held a brief private audience at Casa Santa Marta with U.S. Vice President James David Vance. The Holy See Press Office confirmed the meeting, noting it lasted only a few minutes and served primarily to exchange Easter greetings.

During his trip to Italy with his family, Vice President Vance had also visited the Secretariat of State on Saturday morning. He was received by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations.

According to Vatican News, the discussions were cordial and focused on the shared commitment to uphold religious freedom and freedom of conscience. The meeting also covered global issues, with special emphasis on conflict zones, humanitarian crises, and the plight of migrants, refugees, and prisoners.

On Good Friday, Vance, along with his wife and three children, attended the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at Saint Peter’s Basilica. The solemn service was led by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.