Astrological Interpretation: The Final Hours of Pope Francis
The passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, 21st April 2025, marks a profound moment in both religious history and astrological significance. At Wilfred Hazelwood, we've examined the natal chart of this moment to provide insight into the cosmic alignments present during his transition.
The Moment of Transition
The chart cast for the moment of Pope Francis's passing (07:35 CEDT in Rome, Italy) reveals a complex interplay of planetary energies that speaks to both the man and his mission. This Tropical chart shows several notable aspects that seem to reflect the Pope's final journey and legacy.
Aquarius in the 10th House: A Revolutionary Spirit Departs
The presence of a conjunction in Aquarius positioned in the 10th house is particularly telling. The 10th house represents public image, career, and one's contribution to the world—appropriate for a man whose life was dedicated to public service and spiritual leadership.
Aquarius, ruled by both Saturn (traditional) and Uranus (modern), represents revolution, progressive thought, and humanitarian ideals. This placement beautifully reflects Pope Francis's papacy—a period marked by his attempts to modernise aspects of the Church while maintaining its core traditions. As the first Latin American Pope, he brought fresh perspectives to a centuries-old institution, much like Aquarius brings innovative energy to established structures.
The conjunction suggests multiple celestial bodies gathered in this area, creating a concentrated energy of innovation and reform—themes that defined Francis's approach to the papacy. His commitment to the poor, refugees, and environmental concerns all reflected Aquarian values of equality and universal brotherhood.
Mars Opposition in Leo: The Final Battle
The Mars opposition to Leo indicates a powerful dynamic tension in the chart. Mars represents energy, action, and sometimes conflict, while Leo governs the heart, creative expression, and leadership. This opposition suggests a final struggle between physical vitality (Mars) and heart function (Leo)—mirroring the Vatican's confirmation that Francis died of "irreversible heart failure" following a stroke.
Leo's association with the heart is literal in medical astrology, and this opposition from Mars points to the physical challenge that ultimately led to his passing. It's worth noting that at 88 years of age, Pope Francis had faced several health crises in recent years, including his recent bout with pneumonia that the BBC article mentions required five weeks of hospitalisation.
Additional Chart Elements of Note
Moon Placement
The chart shows lunar influences that speak to the emotional and spiritual dimensions of this moment. The Moon, representing the collective emotional body, appears positioned in a way that connects to both public sentiment and spiritual transition—appropriate for a figure who was both a political and spiritual leader to 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Saturn's Influence
Saturn, the planet of time, limitation, and authority, shows significant aspects in this chart. For an 88-year-old man who carried the weight of one of the world's oldest institutions, Saturn's placement speaks to the completion of duty and responsibility—a lifetime of service coming to its natural conclusion.
A Humble Departure
Particularly poignant is how the astrological elements align with Pope Francis's final wishes as described in the BBC article. His request for "a simple tomb, without particular ornamentation" reflects certain earthy, modest elements in the chart. This simplicity mirrored his papacy—choosing to live in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the traditional papal apartments, washing the feet of prisoners, and advocating for the marginalised.
Timing and Transition
That his passing occurred on Easter Monday carries both religious and astrological significance. Easter represents resurrection in the Christian tradition—a time of transition between death and new life. The chart's positioning on this particular day suggests a cosmically appropriate moment for transition, with the Sun in Taurus emphasising themes of embodiment and release.
Looking Forward: The Conclave
The chart also contains elements that point toward transition and new beginnings—appropriate as the College of Cardinals prepares for the conclave to select a new Pope. The energy suggests that Francis's progressive influence may continue to be felt in this selection process, as mentioned in the BBC article, since he appointed cardinals from "a broader range of geographic and theological backgrounds."
Historical Context and Modern Significance
It's worth noting that until the 15th century, popes regularly employed personal astrologers as trusted advisors. At Wilfred Hazelwood, we find it fascinating that while astrology later fell from official Church favour, the Vatican libraries still house numerous astrological texts and charts from this period. This historic connection between the Church and astrology reminds us that both traditions share an interest in understanding humanity's place in the cosmos—albeit through different methodological lenses. Papal astrologers like Bonatti and Regiomontanus were once as essential to Vatican decision-making as cardinals and bishops.
When Fidel Castro famously remarked that "the world will only change when South America elects a pope," few could have predicted how prophetic those words would become. Pope Francis's election in 2013 as the first Latin American pontiff indeed marked a significant shift in Church leadership and perspective. His papacy brought renewed focus to economic justice, environmental stewardship, and the plight of migrants—concerns particularly relevant to the Global South. As we contemplate the astrological chart of his passing, we're reminded that cosmic forces and human history often move in mysterious alignment, with celestial patterns reflecting terrestrial changes in ways that transcend simple coincidence.
The astrological chart for Pope Francis's passing reveals a cosmic alignment that beautifully reflects both his life's work and the manner of his departure. The Aquarian influence in the 10th house speaks to his revolutionary approach to the papacy, while the Mars-Leo opposition reflects the physical challenges of his final days. As the Catholic Church and the world mourn his passing, the stars themselves seem to acknowledge the transition of a spiritual leader who, in the words of the Vatican statement, "taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love."
