 "A photo of the late Pope Francis stands in front of Father Francisco Javier during a Mass in his honour at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City on April 21, 2025. AP")
Pope Francis breathed his last on Monday (April 21) at the age of 88. Before his demise, he headed the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years. His demise comes after spending 38 days being treated for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli hospital before seeming to recover and leaving the facility on March 23.
The pontiff’s death came a day after he made a surprise visit to St Peter’s Square where he entered in his open-air popemobile shortly after noon, greeting the enthusiastic crowds. He also delivered a special blessing, the first such occasion since Christmas.
His death has triggered a period of mourning in the Vatican and worldwide. The official duties will be carried out by his camerlengo or chamberlain, currently Irish-American Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
Now that the Pope has passed away what will come next? Here is a detailed analysis