Pope Francis died of a stroke on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Vatican aged 88. READ: LIVE UPDATES: Pope Francis dies at age 88 His funeral is to be held later this week in the presence of worshippers and dignitaries before a conclave of cardinals is convened to elect a successor.

Pope Francis, a reformer who rattled the Catholic Church's conservatives and inspired some progressives, has died.

Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church, died Easter Monday after more than a decade leading the church. Here's what happens next.