Pope Francis has died 12 years after his election, the Vatican announced on Easter Monday.

Pope Jorge Mario Bergogliopope, Pope Francis, was initially diagnosed with bronchitis on Valentine’s Day, then the illness developed into pneumonia in both lungs four days later. He eventually returned to the Vatican, albeit not in good health. 

Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell announced the death of Pope Jorge Mario Bergogliopope Monday morning, the Vatican announced, adding that he passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time.

Look back at the day he became pope.

Live updates: World mourns Pope Francis, a humble reformer who favored ‘the poorest’

When did Francis become pope?

Pope Francis was elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, becoming the first Latin American pope. That day, he made an appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica about an hour after white smoke filled the air outside of the Sistine Chapel, symbolizing his election.

“And now, we take up this journey: Bishop and People,” he said that day. “This journey of the Church of Rome which presides in charity over all the Churches. A journey of fraternity, of love, of trust among us. Let us always pray for one another. Let us pray for the whole world, that there may be a great spirit of fraternity.”

He served as pope for 12 years until his death on April 21, 2025.

How old was Pope Francis when he was elected?

Born on Dec. 17, 1936, Pope Francis was 76 years old when he was elected, per the Vatican.

Pope Francis was born in Argentina, and was the son of Italian immigrants, according to the Vatican. His father, Mario was an accountant, while his mother, Regina Sivori, raised the couple’s five children.

Francis graduated as a chemical technician and then chose to become a priest, joining the Diocesan Seminary of Villa Devoto. He entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus (or the Jesuits), a Roman Catholic order of priests and brothers, on March 11, 1958. He finished his studies of the humanities in Chile and returned to Argentina in 1963, graduating with a degree in philosophy from the Colegio de San José in San Miguel, per the Vatican.

From 1964 to 1965, Francis taught literature and psychology at Immaculate Conception College in Santa Fé, then in 1966, he taught literature and psychology at the Colegio del Salvatore in Buenos Aires. He eventually studied theology and earned a degree from the Colegio of San José.

He was ordained a priest on Dec. 13, 1969 by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano. He made his final profession with the Jesuits April 22, 1973, per the Vatican. The first time Francis conducted an interview as a bishop was with a parish newsletter called “Estrellita de Belém.”

Who was elected before Pope Francis?

Prior to Pope Francis’ appointment, the elected pope was Joseph Ratzinger, who eventually became known as Pope Benedict XVI. He was elected in April 2005.

“After the great Pope John Paul II, the Cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble labourer in the vineyard of the Lord,” he said

after he was elected

. “The fact that the Lord knows how to work and to act even with inadequate instruments comforts me, and above all I entrust myself to your prayers.”

Pope Benedict was from Germany. As Pope Benedict XVI grew older and shared stories from his upbringing, he detailed the harsh experiences he lived through, per the Vatican. On one occasion, he recalled witnessing Nazis beat his parish priest. Near the end of World War II, he was enrolled in the auxiliary anti-aircraft service, the Vatican said.

Both Pope Benedict and his brother, Georg, were ordained as priests on June 29, 1951. He studied philosophy and theology at the University of Munich, and later earned his doctorate in theology. He eventually taught dogma and fundamental theology, and became a professor of dogmatic theology and of the history of dogma at the University of Regensburg, where he served as dean and vice-rector.

What happens when a pope dies?

What to know about papal conclave, how new pope is elected

This story was updated to add more information.

Contributing: Gary Strauss, Judy Keen, Janet Loehrke, George Petras

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at [email protected].