Pope Francis dies at 88

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025. The Pope had been in ill health battling pneumonia. He passed away from a stroke.

Pope Francis did offer a prayer on Easter on Sunday, April 20, 2025, and also rode around in his Popemobile. He was selected to be Pope in 2013 and was the first Pope from South America.

He was born in Argentina and was a Jesuit. He was seen as a more progressive Pope.

Father John Muir of the Phoenix Diocese joined us to discuss his legacy and what comes next, and Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo Nevares of the Phoenix Diocese discussed what Pope Francis meant to Latinos in Arizona.

In light of the passing of Pope Francis, the Diocese of Phoenix will be holding the following special Masses and prayer services over the next week:

Monday, April 21 at 6 p.m.: A special prayer service (Solemn Vespers) at St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Phoenix                               

Tuesday, April 22 at 6 p.m.: A special Mass for the Dead offered for Pope Francis at St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Phoenix        

Sunday, April 27 at 9 a.m.: A special Mass at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix