On April 22, 2025 Pope Francis, a symbol for Catholics around the world, died. Francis suffered from a stroke that eventually led to a coma and heart failure, which killed him on April 22. 

The Pope, originally named Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born on December 17,1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina and was elected pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013. His death shocked many people.  

He was known as a leader, a kind and positive influence to many. He made many known efforts to issues like climate change, social justice, and economic inequality for the world. 

Francis worked to modernize the Church’s outlook on various social issues around the globe, such as being an advocate for refugees and showing tolerance for the LGBTQ community. 

Although it is sad, the Church starts the process of picking the next pope the day one resigns, or in this case, dies. The following are the steps for when this happens:

First, the cardinals meet in Vatican City.

Second, the conclave, a secret meeting in the Sistine Chapel, begins.

Third, the cardinals vote up to four times a day. In which, two-thirds majority is needed to elect a new pope.

Fourth, the smoke signals begin at the Sistine Chapel. Black smoke means no decision, white smoke means a new pope is chosen.

Once the new pope is ready to be announced, he stands on the Balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica and the pope will be the same until he dies or resigns. 

Though the death is tragic, many are excited for the new pope to arrive and be the next great leader for the Roman Catholic Church.