2025 began with Catholics around the world uniting in prayer for Pope Francis’ health as he entered the hospital on Feb. 14. He was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome for a respiratory infection that progressed to bilateral pneumonia, requiring a prolonged hospitalization that lasted almost six weeks.
Soon after, on March 29, the pontiff was readmitted into the hospital with difficulty breathing. On April 21, the day after Easter, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 from a stroke, coma, and irreversible cardiovascular collapse, according to the death certificate published just over 12 hours after his death.
On April 26, more than 400,000 people filled St. Peter’s Square for the funeral of Pope Francis as the world said goodbye to the first Latin American pope who led the Catholic Church for 12 years.
Then on May 7, 133 cardinal electors gathered from all corners of the globe in the Sistine Chapel for the start of the conclave to elect a new pope. After four ballots, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected on May 8 as the 267th bishop of Rome and leader of the Catholic Church. He took the name Pope Leo XIV. A Chicago native, he became the first American pope in Church history.
Here are some of the most impactful images from the papal transition — beginning with Pope Francis’ last general audience before being admitted to the hospital, the start of the conclave, and the election of Pope Leo:
Pope Francis greets visitors at his general audience at the Vatican, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaThe first photo of Pope Francis after entering Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14, 2025. Credit: Holy See Press OfficePope Francis waves from a balcony at Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Sunday, March 23, 2025, following weeks of hospitalization for bilateral pneumonia. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNAThe body of Pope Francis lies in state at the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae chapel, surrounded by Swiss Guards, cardinals, and Vatican officials paying their respects before his transfer to St. Peter’s Basilica for public veneration, Monday, April 21, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaPope Francis’ hands are seen as his body lies in state at the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae chapel, Monday, April 21, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaPallbearers carry the wooden coffin of Pope Francis, marked with a cross, into St. Peter’s Square for the funeral Mass on April 26, 2025. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNAAn aerial view of St. Peter’s Square filled with thousands of mourners, clergy, and dignitaries gathered for Pope Francis’ funeral Mass under clear blue skies in Vatican City on April 26, 2025. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNATables and chairs sit in the Sistine Chapel waiting for the arrival of cardinals for the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaCardinals prepare to begin the conclave to elect a new pope in the Sistine Chapel on May 7, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaWhite smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on May 8, 2025, as the crowds cheer on St. Peter’s Square. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNAPope Leo XIV waves to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square shortly after his election on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
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Pope Leo XIV prays at the tomb of Pope Francis at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Vatican City, Saturday, May 10, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV waves during the inaugural Mass of his pontificate, held in St. Peter’s Square on May 18, 2025. He stands in front of a Flemish tapestry depicting the dialogue between Jesus and Peter after the miraculous catch of fish. Credit: Vatican Media
Francesca is a staff reporter for Catholic News Agency. She received her degree in Communications with an emphasis in Digital Media from the University of Colorado – Denver. She is also in charge of the social media for Catholic News Agency.
