VATICAN CITY – 21 April 2025 – Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. The Bishop of Rome passed away peacefully at 7:35 AM on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City.
The news was formally announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, from the Casa Santa Marta at 9:45 AM. In his statement, Cardinal Farrell said:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
First Jesuit Pope
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, he became the first pope from South America, and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy. Often referred to as the “People’s Pope,” he gained international recognition for championing the poor, refugees, and those fleeing war and hunger.
In 2016, he washed the feet of refugees from several religions at an asylum centre outside Rome, calling it a “gesture of humility and service.” Throughout his papacy, he made his views clear on global challenges such as climate change, wealth inequality, and the role of women in the Catholic Church.
His openness towards the LGBTQ community was considered unprecedented in the Church’s history. On a flight back from Brazil in 2013, he made headlines with the remark: “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge them?”
However, in April 2024, he reaffirmed traditional Church teachings by signing Dignitas Infinita (Infinite Dignity), a document opposing gender reassignment, surrogacy, abortion, and euthanasia. Later that year, questions were raised about his liberal image following reports that he had used a homophobic slur in private.
Pope Francis’ Health Issues
Despite recent health issues, Pope Francis appeared publicly on Easter Sunday, greeting crowds from the popemobile in St Peter’s Square. He presided over the Easter Mass, though Cardinal Angelo Comastri gave the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
The Pope had battled a range of health issues in recent years. As a young man, he had part of a lung removed following a severe infection. In the final years of his life, he relied on a cane or wheelchair, suffering from sciatica, bronchitis, and flu. He also underwent intestinal surgery in June 2023 and colon surgery in 2021. These issues led him to miss several key events, including last year’s Good Friday procession at the Colosseum.
In 2022, he acknowledged the possibility of resignation, echoing the example of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who stepped down in 2013 and died in 2022. Francis ultimately chose to remain in office until his death.
On 14 February 2025, he was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital with bronchitis. Doctors later diagnosed bilateral pneumonia. After 38 days in hospital, he returned to Casa Santa Marta but never fully recovered.
Revised guide for papal funerals
In April 2024, he approved a revised edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical guide for papal funerals. This version reflects his desire for a simple and spiritual ceremony. Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, said:
“The renewed rite seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”
The date of the funeral Mass has not yet been announced, but it will follow the updated rite Francis himself approved.
An estimated 1.4 billion Catholics around the world are mourning the passing of Pope Francis.
