One year has passed since the death of Pope Francis, the Argentine pontiff who reshaped the tone of the Catholic Church with humility, simplicity and a deep concern for the poor. He died at 7:35 a.m. on April 21, 2025, at Casa Santa Marta, the modest Vatican residence he chose over the Apostolic Palace, reflecting his lifelong desire to live close to ordinary people.
His passing marked the end of a papacy that spoke constantly of mercy, dialogue and encounter. Known as “Pope of mercy” and “Pope of the peripheries,” Francis urged the world to look beyond power and privilege and instead focus on those often forgotten. His words were simple, but they carried weight, especially in times of global conflict and division.
Five days after his death, the Church and the world gathered for his funeral. In keeping with his wishes, his mortal remains were laid to rest at Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of Rome’s most beloved Marian shrines. The basilica held a special place in his heart. Before and after every apostolic journey, Francis would go there to pray before the icon of Mary, known as Salus Populi Romani. It was a quiet ritual that revealed his deep Marian devotion.
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the first anniversary of his death is being marked with prayer and remembrance at the same basilica. The tribute begins with the Rosary at 5 p.m. in the Pauline Chapel, a place Francis visited more than a hundred times during his pontificate. A commemorative bronze plaque is then unveiled, recalling how he paused 126 times in prayer before the Marian icon and affirming that he now rests in that sacred place according to his will.
At 6 p.m., a memorial Mass follows, bringing together the faithful to remember not just a pope, but a pastor who walked with his people. A message from Pope Leo XIV, who is currently on an apostolic journey in Africa, will be read during the celebration, linking the present leadership of the Church with the enduring legacy of Francis.
The commemoration extends beyond the basilica. The ceremony is being broadcast live by Vatican News, allowing people around the world to join in prayer. In St Mary Major Square, large screens carry the images of the liturgy, turning the public space into a gathering point of memory and gratitude.
To mark the anniversary, Vatican News is also releasing a 26 minute documentary that reflects on the life and ministry of Pope Francis. Through archival footage and symbolic storytelling, it revisits his defining gestures and words, from his first appearance on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to his quiet acts of compassion that often went unnoticed but never unfelt.
Francis will be remembered not for grand displays of authority, but for the way he changed expectations of leadership. He chose closeness over distance, listening over speaking, and service over status. His papacy reminded many that faith is not only about doctrine, but about living with tenderness, courage and hope.
Even a year after his death, his voice continues to echo in the Church and beyond. In a world still searching for peace and unity, the memory of Pope Francis remains a gentle but persistent call to care for one another and to never forget those at the margins.