Did Pope Francis have kids or a wife? Family details explored as Vatican announces his death at 88

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at his residence at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City. He was 88 and was suffering from respiratory conditions, including bronchitis and double pneumonia. With his demise, his 12-year papacy came to an end.

The news of his death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber from the Casa Santa Marta, as per Vatican News.

Pope Francis did not have a wife, nor did he have any biological children. He, however, comes from a large family where he had four siblings, of which María Elena Bergoglio is his only living sibling.

Pope Francis' family details explored

Pope Francis, born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936, did not have a wife or children, as a vow he took of celibacy. This means that he promised not to get married or have children and to completely dedicate himself to the service of the church and its people.

Pope Francis was the eldest sibling of the Bergoglio family. His father Mario Bergoglio was an accountant and his mother Regina Sivori, a homemaker. He had four siblings named Oscar Adrián, Marta Regina, Alberto Horacio, and María Elena Bergoglio. Maria Elena is his younger sister and only living sibling, as per BBC News.

His family roots belong to the small Italian village of Portacomaro, and, other than his siblings, he also has a 93-year-old cousin named Carla Rabezzana. He also has a niece named Cristina Bergoglio, who is a painter and is based in Spain. As per Zenit, Pope Francis also has a nephew, a soccer player who resides in Italy.

Pope Francis made an appearance on Easter Sunday, a day before his demise. He greeted a crowd of over 30,000 people, which was then followed by reading the Urbi et Orbi (To the City and the World).

Pope Francis suffered bouts of bronchitis, following which he was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14. On February 18, the doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia. He was discharged on March 23, 2025, following which he made a few public appearances, including visiting the Regina Coeli Prison in Rome, and a surprise visit to St. Peter’s Basilica.

During his 12 years of papacy, Francis was known for his kindness. He was vocal in his concern for the poor sections of society, and was also focused on social and environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, healthcare, anti-violence, immigration, and refugees.

In recent years, Francis had faced multiple health issues, including two intestinal surgeries, in 2021 and 2023. He also suffered frequent complex respiratory issues, including infections, influenza, and ultimately pneumonia in February 2025.

Following Pope Francis' demise, the next Pope will be chosen from the College of Cardinals.

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