The Astrology of Pope Francis’ Death

When the news broke of Pope Francis’s death, I was devastated.

Look, I’ve been raised Catholic, sacraments and services and all. I had a Catholic education all my life. But I never thought of myself as devout.

In fact, I would say I’ve always held a deep distrust for the institution—or at least of how people have been running it. I knew what it had protected: the centuries of abuse, hypocrisy, discrimination.

Yet, somehow, having Pope Francis at the helm gave me hope. Unsurprisingly, all it takes is kindness to remind you that faith does not have to be rooted in fear. That amid the corruption that clung to its walls, there was still something good left in the Church. In a time of so much division, Jorge Bergoglio made millions of young, disillusioned Catholics feel safe to believe again.

When the exact time and location of his death was released—April 21, 2025, in the Vatican City—I did what I always do when I feel something too big to hold: I turned to the heavens, or at least, the parts that I could make sense of.

As a budding astrologer, why do it at all? Perhaps for a little understanding. For some sort of warning? Maybe—just maybe—for hope.

I generated a transit chart using Astro-Seek, and combed through the most telling aspects.

Below is a breakdown of what the heavens looked like in the moment Pope Francis left this world—and what it might mean for us in the days to come.

Sun Trine Jupiter (–2°10’ A) — Graceful Departure

Keywords: Blessing, expansion, divine approval, sacred optimism

This is a rare gift. The Sun (essence, soul) forms a trine to Jupiter (wisdom, higher meaning), echoing a passage into peace.

This is the transit of someone whose life will be celebrated, whose lessons will echo through generations.

Pope Francis departed on Easter Monday, just one day after celebrating one final Easter with the world—the holiest day in the Catholic calendar, that celebrates resurrection, renewal, and eternal life.

There’s something deeply poetic, even divinely orchestrated, about this timing. A peaceful departure beneath a sky that still reflects the very things he preached: mercy, joy, humility, and faith that expands instead of constricts.

Saturn Square Sun (+0°54’ S) — A Heavy Ending

Keywords: Finality, pressure, karmic closure, legacy under judgment

The taskmaster planet Saturn squares the Sun, symbol of life and identity. This is a stark, sobering aspect that often marks moments of reckoning or culmination.

The Sun here represents Francis himself, as the tight square with Saturn brings about a period of closing. This chapter is complete, reinforced by other relevant aspects in the chart.

With Venus square the Nodes, no choice for his successor will satisfy everyone. Venusian energy is in tension, which could suggest that a new leader who fails to evolve a post-Francis Church’s stance on issues like gender, sexuality, and equality may sever it from a great many faithful for a generation more.

However, Uranus conjunct the Part of Fortune hints at a wildcard. Sudden shifts, surprise turns, and last-minute changes of heart are all on the table.

Outcome forecast

This transit signals that the Church must now confront the consequences of its past and present. His absence removes a unifying force, and the Church now faces internal and external pressure to either transform or regress.

The next Pope may rise from unexpected ranks—a reformist, a non-European, a younger leader with bold ideals.

This new leader will be tested immediately. Not just spiritually, but politically. Whoever inherits the role will feel the weight of history, expectation, and scrutiny.

Pluto Square Uranus (+2°09’ A) — The Collapse of Old Paradigms

Keywords: Sudden change, revolutionary energy, clash of tradition and transformation

This square is historically tied to social revolutions, institutional breakdowns, and upheavals in systems of power.

Pluto, the planet of death and transformation, represents endings and profound rebirths. Positioned in the 10th house (career, public life, and life mission), it suggests Pope Francis’s transition at the end of his earthly journey was deeply tied to fulfilling his higher calling—his radical mission (pertaining to the sign of Aquarius) within the Church and the world.

His passing, under this powerful transit, indicates that he has completed his divine mission on earth. Pluto’s influence speaks of him surrendering to his mortality, having fulfilled the role he was meant to play.

Uranus, situated at the cusp of the 12th and 1st houses (spirituality and self), signals a sudden and intense shift between the physical and spiritual realms. This aspect marks the point of transition.

Outcome forecast

The Church is like to undergo a radical shake-up. A successor could either carry Francis’s torch or trigger a pendulum swing back to conservatism.

This tension may provoke institutional polarization—progressive vs. traditional factions could clash more openly. What was once a quiet undercurrent of division may soon become public and unavoidable.

Neptune Square Jupiter (–0°30’ S) — The Crisis of Faith

Keywords: Disillusionment, spiritual confusion, blurred boundaries in belief systems

Neptune (illusion, mysticism) in harsh square to Jupiter (faith, ideology) indicates a collective spiritual fog. It brings questions without clear answers, and hearts searching for something to hold onto.

For many, Pope Francis was that anchor. His death, under this clouded aspect, reflects the confusion now hanging over global Catholicism.

Similarly, Jupiter conjunct Chiron (+0°46’ A) sees various faith communities in great vulnerability, made one in open grief. This transit offers a window to heal collective wounds—especially those inflicted by rigid spiritual systems.

Outcome forecast

Disillusionment could rise in the absence of his guiding voice. Another transit, Mercury square Jupiter, also warns of religious, political, and global factions possibly projecting their own beliefs onto his teachings, stretching or distorting his message to suit an agenda.

This may manifest as a crisis of confidence in moral leadership. People may lose trust in figures of faith, or seek alternative spiritualities.

With misinformation, dogma, and fear already rampant, these transits warns us that spiritual manipulation and idealistic division could take root.

Mars Conjunct Pluto (+2°59’ A) — Power Struggles

Keywords: Aggression, political maneuvering, power consolidation

This transit is a storm brewing in the background. Mars (action, assertion) fuses with Pluto (power, control), stirring ambition and behind-the-scenes tactics. The energy is raw, strategic, and potentially volatile.

Mars also squares the Midheaven at +1°12’ S, indicating friction in leadership and institutional direction. This is also an aspect of tensions and rivalry surrounding leadership roles. After Pope Francis’s passing, factions within the Church now vie for influence. The tension between progressives and conservatives may boil over.

Mere hours after his death, multiple lists of papabiles have already been drawn up – naming cardinals of progressive and traditionalist views, as well as some that, while more “moderate,” also have sizeable influence within the Vatican.

Outcome forecast

Expect internal power plays within the Vatican. Different factions move quickly to secure influence—especially those resistant to Francis’s reforms. Fiery debates, politicization, and inner conflict are soon to ensue within and outside the Vatican.

The transition may not be peaceful. Midheaven square Uranus also suggests sudden reversals. Uranus shocks the MC, making the transition of power abrupt, perhaps even chaotic. This reflects a period of unpredictability in Church leadership—the next Pope may not be who we expect. The Church may pivot fast, but the direction is unclear.

There will be behind-closed-doors lobbying, or even international political influence in the decision-making. There may be conflict between younger reformists and older conservatives—or between global South voices and traditional European cardinals.

This is a defining moment for Church leadership: will it continue down the inclusive direction set by Francis, or will it return to its pre-Francis ways, calcifying into an ultra-conservative institution once more?

Venus Trine Pluto (+2°24’ A) — Enduring Love

Keywords: Deep connection, lasting legacy, transformation through compassion

This is a transit of lasting emotional influence. Venus (love, values) harmonizing with Pluto (death, transformation) signals that Pope Francis’s deepest contributions—his compassion for the marginalized, his push for a more merciful Church—won’t die with him.

They’ll take root in the people, especially in lay communities, clergy on the periphery, and those historically excluded from Church power.

Chiron conjunct Jupiter also reinforces that spiritual teachings are shaped by pain. Francis’s wounds, and his efforts to heal those of others, will guide future reformers.

Outcome forecast

His legacy lives on through community. Grassroots movements, interfaith dialogue, and inclusive ministries may rise in his honor.

This transit says: love doesn’t die with the person. It transforms those left behind. The power of his legacy lies not in Rome, but in the hearts of those who carry his message forward.

So What Happens Now?

In many ways, Pope Francis’ death marks a crossroads moment not just for the faith but for the entire world. With conservative tides rising globally, there’s real fear that institutions will backslide. That a new Pope may strip away the progress made.

But there’s also resistance in his memory. Millions who now know that faith can be kind. That leadership can look like humility. That love belongs to everyone.

When you strip away all pomp, Pope Francis was a mere man who shepherded the faithful with a compassion the world has not felt in years. Yet perhaps the greatest lesson he left the world was the reminder that faith could be radical and rooted in justice.

Looking for more spiritual insight in uncertain times? Explore astrology resources and tarot reflections and more here on Girl With The Stars!

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