By On the night of April 21, 2025, the Eiffel Tower, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, stood in darkness—a poignant tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. The gesture, announced by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, was a mark of respect for a man widely regarded as a beacon of peace, compassion, and humility.
As reported by Sky News, the tower went dark around midnight, its usual golden glow replaced by a somber silhouette against the Parisian sky, reflecting the global mourning for the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, succumbed to a cerebral stroke followed by irreversible heart failure, according to the Vatican. His passing marked the end of a 12-year papacy defined by progressive reforms, environmental advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to the marginalized.
The news prompted an outpouring of grief worldwide, with tributes pouring in from religious leaders, political figures, and millions of Catholics. In Paris, the decision to dim the Eiffel Tower’s lights was more than symbolic—it was a testament to the Pope’s far-reaching influence, touching lives beyond the Vatican’s walls.
The City of Light’s gesture was accompanied by other tributes across the French capital. The bells of Notre-Dame Cathedral rang 88 times at 11:00 a.m. on April 22, one chime for each year of the Pontiff’s life, followed by a resounding peal from all the cathedral’s bells.
The cathedral also held a midday and afternoon Mass, as well as an evening prayer service in his honor. Mayor Hidalgo expressed her intention to propose naming a location in Paris after Pope Francis, ensuring his legacy endures in the city he often visited and inspired.
Pope Francis was a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, known for his simplicity and dedication to social justice. His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ was a groundbreaking call to action on climate change, emphasizing its disproportionate impact on the poor. This message resonated globally, influencing the Paris Agreement that same year, where world leaders cited his words during the UN climate conference.
His advocacy for the environment, coupled with his humility—he famously eschewed the grandeur of his predecessors—earned him admiration across faiths and cultures.
As the Vatican prepares for the Pope’s funeral, expected between April 25 and 27, cardinals are gathering to plan the rites and select a successor. Francis, in his will, requested a simple burial at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, breaking with the tradition of interment beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. His final resting place reflects his lifelong commitment to modesty.
Meanwhile, in Vatican City, thousands have gathered in St. Peter’s Square to mourn, a mix of pilgrims, locals, and tourists united in grief. Pope Francis’ death marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a “man of peace and compassion,” as Hidalgo described, will continue to inspire generations.
