Notable Deaths of 2025: From Pope Francis to Charlie Kirk - A Comprehensive Review of Influential Figures Who Shaped Our World

Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.

The year 2025 witnessed the departure of numerous influential figures who shaped our world through their contributions in politics, spirituality, science, business, and sports. These remarkable individuals left behind powerful legacies that will continue to influence future generations. Here is a comprehensive overview of prominent global leaders who died this year.

Shivraj Patil (1935-2025), a distinguished Congress leader and former Union Home Minister, died on December 12 at 90 years old in his Latur residence after battling illness. His illustrious career included serving as Lok Sabha Speaker from 1991 to 1996, Union Home Minister between 2004 and 2008, and holding key positions as Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator.

Shibu Soren (1944-2025), the founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and former Jharkhand Chief Minister, succumbed to kidney-related complications on August 4 in Delhi at 81. His leadership was instrumental in the movement for Jharkhand's statehood, and he served three terms as Chief Minister, establishing himself as a prominent tribal leader.

Comrade VS Achuthanandan (1923-2025), the veteran Communist leader and former Kerala Chief Minister, passed away at 101 on July 21 following cardiac arrest at Thiruvananthapuram's Pattom SUT Hospital. A founding member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), his extensive political career included serving as Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011 and multiple terms as Opposition Leader.

Satyapal Malik (1946-2025), former Governor of multiple states including Jammu and Kashmir during the Article 370 abrogation, died on August 5 in New Delhi at 79. His governmental service included governorships in Meghalaya, Goa, Bihar, and Odisha, with his Meghalaya tenure lasting from 2020 to 2022.

Navjot Singh, former Deputy Secretary in the Finance Ministry, tragically lost his life on September 14 at age 52 when his two-wheeler was struck by a BMW. Authorities apprehended the car's driver following the accident.

Vijay Rupani (1956-2025), former Gujarat Chief Minister, perished in the Air India Flight 171 crash near Ahmedabad Airport on June 12. The 68-year-old was aboard the London-bound flight that crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of all passengers except one. Gujarat honored him with a state funeral.

Gopichand Hinduja (1940-2025), the Indian-British billionaire and longtime chairman of the Hinduja Group, died in London on November 4 at 85 after extended illness. Under his leadership, the family business transformed from a modest trading firm into a global conglomerate. His family topped the Sunday Times Rich List with an estimated fortune of 35 billion pounds. He leaves behind his wife Sunita and children Sanjay, Dheeraj, and Rita.

Fauja Singh (1911-2025), the British-Indian marathon runner known as the "Turbaned Tornado," died at the remarkable age of 114 after being struck by a vehicle while walking near his Punjab village on July 14. He gained international recognition for completing marathons after turning 100.

Charlie Kirk (1993-2025), American political activist, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10. The 31-year-old was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries. A close ally of US President Donald Trump, Kirk was posthumously described by Trump as a "martyr."

Jane Goodall (1934-2025), the world-renowned British primatologist, conservationist, and humanitarian, passed away on October 1 in California at 91. Her groundbreaking studies of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania revolutionized scientific understanding of animal behavior and inspired global conservation efforts.

Vece Paes (1945-2025), former Indian Olympic field hockey player and sports medicine expert, died on August 14 in Kolkata at 80 after battling Parkinson's disease. He won bronze at the 1972 Munich Olympics before transitioning to sports medicine. He was father to tennis legend Leander Paes.

Pope Francis (1936-2025), head of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on April 21 at 88 following a cerebral stroke at his Vatican residence. The first Latin American and Jesuit pope was known for his commitment to the poor and Church reform efforts. After his death, a papal conclave elected Pope Leo XIV as his successor.

Lord Swraj Paul (1931-2025), an Indian-born British industrialist, philanthropist, and House of Lords member, died on August 21 in London at 94 after period of illness. The founder of the Caparo Group steel and engineering conglomerate was recognized for his philanthropic work and contributions to Indo-British relations. He served as a life peer in the UK's House of Lords and received the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to industry and public service.