VATICAN CITY – April 21, 2025: Pope Francis, the beloved 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The Holy Father passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City.
The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who delivered the solemn message:
“With deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis… His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, served as the first Jesuit Pope and the first from Latin America. Known for his humility, progressive voice, and tireless advocacy for the poor and marginalized, his pontificate was marked by bold calls for compassion, environmental stewardship, and global fraternity.
The Pope had been battling health complications since early 2025, including bilateral pneumonia that required hospitalization at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for over a month. Though he returned to the Vatican in March to continue recovery, his health deteriorated in the weeks that followed.
Francis had a history of respiratory issues dating back to his youth, having undergone lung surgery in Argentina at the age of 21. In recent years, he suffered repeated bouts of illness, including the cancellation of international visits due to lung inflammation.
In April 2024, foreseeing the importance of liturgical clarity, Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical guide for papal funerals. The updated rite, emphasizing the Pope’s role as a servant of Christ rather than a figure of power, will now guide his own funeral. As per his wishes, the funeral will be simple and focused on faith in the Resurrection.
Details regarding the funeral date and public viewing of the late pontiff’s remains are expected to be announced by the Vatican shortly.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of bridge-building between cultures and faiths, and a renewed vision of the Church as a “field hospital” reaching out to the wounded and forgotten.
Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday
