Pope Francis dies: His long journey from Buenos Aires to Vatican

Pope Francis has died, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced. In a video statement released on April 21, 2025, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

He passed away at the age of 88, in the Vatican, following complications from a recent illness. During his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis faced several health challenges.

Uncertainty surrounds planned visit to Türkiye after Pope’s death

The planned visit of Pope Francis to Iznik (ancient Nicaea) for the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea has been thrown into uncertainty following the Pope’s passing earlier today. The historic visit was expected to take place in 2025, commemorating the pivotal ecumenical council held in 325 A.D. in what is now modern-day Türkiye.

Türkiye Today reached out to Press Office of the Holy See shortly before the Pope’s death to inquire about the status of the visit, given recent concerns over his health. In response to a question by Türkiye Today’s editor, Koray Erdogan, the press office stated, “The Pope has expressed his intention to go, but there has been no official announcement, so at present we have no considerations to share.”

With the papal seat now vacant and the identity of the next pope still unknown, it remains unclear whether the planned visit to Iznik will go ahead as envisioned. Further announcements from the Vatican are expected in the coming weeks.

Pope Francis, first Latin American leader of Catholic Church

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on Dec. 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church and the head of the state of Vatican City.

Elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, Francis became the first Latin American and Southern Hemisphere pope, breaking centuries of tradition.

A beginning in Argentina

Francis was born to an Italian immigrant father, Jose Mario Francisco Bergoglio, and Regina Maria Sivori. He has four siblings: Alberto Horacio, Oscar Adrian, Marta Regina, and Maria Elena.

His father worked for Argentine Railways, and Francis retains a command of his family’s Portacomaro dialect. He is fluent in Spanish, Italian, and German and knows English, French, Portuguese, Latin, and Ancient Greek.

From chemist to church leader

Before joining the Society of Jesus in 1958, Francis trained as a chemist. He studied humanities in Chile and philosophy in Buenos Aires, completing his theology studies in 1970. He was ordained in 1969 and held several academic and administrative positions within the Jesuit order.

His academic journey included time in Spain and Germany, although his doctoral project remained unfinished.

Pope Francis’ journey to papacy

On May 20, 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed him auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires, and in 2001, he was named cardinal. Although he withdrew from the 2005 papal conclave, his influence grew, leading to his election as pope in 2013 despite concerns over his age and health.

Choosing the name “Francis” in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, he became known for his humility and focus on poverty, social justice, and dialogue among religions. His tenure included significant political and interfaith efforts, including a notable visit to Türkiye in 2014.

Deepening ties with Türkiye

Pope Francis expressed his desire to visit Iznik during a meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople on June 28, 2024. His visit would commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, held in 325 A.D. in present-day Iznik, Türkiye.

This historic event, organized by Roman Emperor Constantine I, played a critical role in shaping early Christianity.

Türkiye has welcomed several papal visits, including Pope Francis in 2014, Pope Benedict XVI in 2006, Pope John Paul II in 1979, and Pope Paul VI in 1967.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the Vatican in 2018, marking a historic occasion as the first visit by a Turkish president since 1959. During this visit, Pope Francis presented Erdogan with an “angel of peace” gift.