This year has seen the passing of Pope Francis, one of the most globally recognised Christian leaders, along with theologians and church figures who shaped Christianity in their own contexts. Here is a more comprehensive list:
Arthur Blessitt was an American evangelist best known for carrying a large wooden cross around the world as an open‑air witness to the Gospel. He walked more than 43,000 miles through over 300 countries and territories, setting a Guinness World Record for the longest walk/pilgrimage as a form of evangelism. Blessitt died on 14th January 2025 at the age of 84.
Rev Don Cupitt, Anglican priest and academic, died on 18 January 2025 at the age of 90. Known for the BBC series The Sea of Faith (1984), which explored how Christianity relates to modern culture. Cupitt was a leading figure in “non-realist” theology, a perspective that sees religious language and beliefs as meaningful within human culture and experience, rather than as literal statements about an objective, supernatural reality. He served as Vice-Principal of Westcott House and Dean of Emmanuel College, Cambridge.
Jack Hemmings, founder and pioneer of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), died on 24th January 2025 at the age of 103. A decorated Second World War pilot and former Royal Air Force squadron leader, Hemmings co-founded MAF in 1945 to use aviation to bring help and hope to isolated communities around the world. What began as a small humanitarian aviation project grew into one of the largest Christian air-mission organisations, delivering medical aid, food, Bibles and relief supplies to remote regions. He remained actively involved in the ministry throughout his life.
The year began with news that Pope Francis had fallen unwell and spent some time in hospital. He eventually recovered and resumed public duties, though he reduced his schedule. Despite this, in a year of great significance for the Catholic Church, he remained determined to be present at key events. It was not until Easter Monday that he passed away. The 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church died at the age of 88.
The Scottish entrepreneur and philanthropist died in May at the age of 84. Best known as the founder of the Kwik Fit garage chain, Farmer’s life was marked by his Roman Catholic faith, which informed his philanthropic work and community engagement. He supported church-linked causes at home and abroad and was honoured by the Catholic Church as a Knight Commander with Star of the Order of St Gregory the Great. Farmer also served as Chancellor of Queen Margaret University and was widely respected for his generosity and Christian witness in public life.
Walter Brueggemann (1933–2025)
Dr Walter Brueggemann, one of the most respected Old Testament scholars and theologians of his generation, died in June 2025 at the age of 92. Brueggemann was best known for The Prophetic Imagination, which reshaped how clergy and lay readers understand the prophetic tradition and its relevance for contemporary life.
As the longtime pastor of Grace Community Church in California and founder of the Grace to You teaching ministry, John MacArthur's preaching drew thousands to his California church for five decades. He also founded The Master’s Seminary and served as president of The Master’s University. MacArthur authored nearly 400 books and study resources, many of which have been translated into more than 25 languages. He passed away in July.
Jimmy Lee Swaggart, the American Pentecostal televangelist, pastor, author and gospel music performer, died on 1st July 2025 at the age of 90. Ordained in the Assemblies of God denomination, he became famous for his long-running television ministry and charismatic preaching, which drew millions of viewers worldwide.
Dr James Dobson, the American evangelical author and psychologist, was the founder of Focus on the Family and a major figure in shaping evangelical engagement with culture and the family. His radio and media outreach reached millions worldwide and was described as one of the most influential evangelical leaders of his generation. He served on President Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board and was known for his strong pro-life stance and traditional views on marriage. He died in August 2025 at the age of 89.
Dr Micha Jazz was a well-known British Christian broadcaster, speaker and mentor who passed away after a battle with cancer in September 2025 at the age of 71. He influenced many through his work with Premier Christian Radio, his daily devotionals Be Still & Know, and leadership roles with Youth for Christ, Spring Harvest and the Evangelical Alliance.
Voddie Baucham Jr. (1969–2025)
Well-known as a pastor, author and seminary educator, Voddie Baucham passed away suddenly in September 2025 at the age of 56. Baucham was widely known as a Reformed Baptist, or Calvinist, with conservative views on gender and race. He became the Dean of Theology at African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia, and in the 1990s, he founded Voddie Baucham Ministries.