Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Casa Santa Marta residence in the Vatican. The news was confirmed at 9:45 a.m. Rome time by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber.
Final Moments and Official Announcement
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sorrow that I announce the passing of our Holy Father Francis. This morning, at 7:35, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Farrell declared from the Holy See.
According to Vatican News, Pope Francis’s health had been declining since February, following hospitalization for persistent bronchitis. On February 18, he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and spent 38 days at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital before returning to the Vatican to continue his recovery.
A Life of Pastoral Dedication
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was the first Jesuit pontiff and the first Latin American pope in history. His papacy was characterized by a vision of a more open, inclusive Church, focused on the marginalized. He emphasized peace, environmental issues, interfaith dialogue, and tackling abuse within the Church.
In 1957, as a young man, he underwent surgery to remove part of a lung due to a severe infection. Respiratory illnesses were a constant companion, preventing him from making trips, such as the planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in 2023.
A Humble Farewell, As He Wished
In April 2024, Pope Francis approved a new edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical book guiding papal funerals. He requested his funeral be simple, focused on faith in the resurrected Christ rather than worldly symbols of power, as explained by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations.
The details of the funeral have yet to be announced, but the rite stipulates that the confirmation of death should occur in a chapel, and the pontiff's body is to be placed directly in the coffin.
His passing marks the beginning of a new period of sede vacante, and the College of Cardinals will be convened to elect his successor in a new conclave.
Key Questions on Pope Francis’s Legacy and Passing
What were Pope Francis's major contributions to the Church?
Pope Francis worked to create a more inclusive and open Church, focusing on marginalized communities, environmental issues, interfaith dialogue, and addressing abuse within the Church.
How did Pope Francis's health affect his papacy?
Pope Francis faced ongoing respiratory issues due to a lung operation in his youth, which limited his ability to travel in his later years, affecting his international engagements.
What is the process for electing a new pope?
After the death of a pope, the College of Cardinals convenes in a conclave to elect a new pope. This period is known as sede vacante, and the election takes place through a series of ballots until a new pope is chosen.