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Influential people who died in 2025
The deaths of leaders, artists, and athletes in 2025 prompted global reflection; Pope Francis’ passing led to the first American pope, and political violence caused over 600 arrests, reports say.
- A global roundup reported major losses across religion, politics, entertainment and sport this year, including Pope Francis' death and the Catholic Church appointing its first American pope.
- Medical and accident reports explained several of the year's high-profile deaths, revealing Gene Hackman had advanced Alzheimer's and heart disease after Betsy Arakawa died of a rodent-borne virus, while an unnamed Austrian extreme athlete died paragliding in Italy.
- Robert Redford, actor and Sundance Film Festival founder, was remembered for his film legacy and support of independent cinema, with his death prompting reflections on his contributions.
- Funerals and public gatherings drew massive crowds and, in one case, lethal chaos, with more than 250,000 attending in April, a stampede killing two and injuring 160 in October, and Charlie Kirk's assassination prompting a crackdown on over 600 Americans.
- The passing of spiritual and institutional figures prompted leadership and legacy questions as Karim Al Husseini, the fourth Aga Khan, died in February, removing the hereditary spiritual leader of 15 million Ismaili Muslims while Pope Francis' reforms reshaped aspects of the modern papacy.
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The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)The most impactful deaths of 2025
Here are the most notable deaths in 2025 from around the globe – from politicians to athletes and musicians
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources30
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center21Last UpdatedBias Distribution87% Center
Bias Distribution
- 87% of the sources are Center
87% Center
13%
C 87%
Factuality
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