Saying Goodbye to Pope Francis

Pope Francis, the world leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, shortly after Easter Sunday.  

Pope Francis was 88 years old and spent his life speaking out for peace, equality and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe. He was known as a “Pope for everyone.” 

The pope is considered one of the world’s most powerful people for cultural and spiritual guidance. He is the head of the world’s largest non-government provider of education, health care and charities. The Pope’s actions offer peace and a chance to talk for all religions and nations. He is often a mediator to help resolve conflicts and his words have an impact around the globe.

The passing of a pope is world news. Major networks and news media provide programming with live broadcasts, streaming and live updates on their websites and social media channels. The Vatican’s own news channel, started in June 2015 by Pope Francis, was created to unite the Pope’s communications and other forms of media.

Cheryl Wills, veteran journalist, Emmy-award winning reporter and host with Spectrum News NY1, has covered the Pope in the news through the years. Kids Discover spoke with Wills back in February about her own journey to find her great-great-great grandfather who fought in the Civil War. Wills will be a part of the global coverage covering the funeral for Pope Francis.

“Covering such a significant story is a whirlwind of activity, from confirming the initial reports to the constant updates and the emotional weight of the event, ” says Wills.

 “I worked around the clock when the pope was here in New York City, and he made an impression on so many of us for being fair and what deeply impressed me was his  willingness to take selfies with so many young people! Now that was a tender moment I will never forget. He was truly the People’s Pope!”

President Donald Trump and First Lady, Melania Trump, are set to be in attendance for the funeral. Prince William, the eldest son of King Charles III, will serve as a representative for his father. The attendance of Prince William in place of the King is a modern tradition that signals his future role as King. The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, will also be at the services. 

Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, Irish President Michael D. Higgins, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain have confirmed plans to attend. 

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Brazilian President Lula da Silva and Javier Milei, the  President of Pope Francis’ native Argentina will also be present for the services. 

When Pope Francis spoke to people, he shared a message of kindness and compassion for others and the world we live in.

During his last visit to New York City, the pope gave a speech at the United Nations’ General Assembly in front of world leaders and addressed climate change and poverty around the world. Read more about when Pope Francis visited New York City here.

A few hours later, he attended a multifaith ceremony at the Sept. 11 memorial at the World Trade Center and prayed for the victims and their families. 

As always, he called for peace for all people.

“Say no to any attempt to make us all the same,” Pope Francis said in Spanish. “And say yes to our differences.”