Pope Francis Passes Away at 88 on Easter Monday

Pope Francis, the 266th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, formally announced the Pope’s passing with the following words:

"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 favor of the poorest and most marginalized. 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."

According to Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, arrangements are underway for the late Pope’s body to be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, so that the faithful may pay their respects.

Pope Francis had been hospitalized on February 14, 2025, due to respiratory complications, including bronchitis that later progressed to bilateral pneumonia. After 38 days at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, he returned to the Vatican to recover, but his health gradually declined.

The Holy Father had long struggled with respiratory issues, including the removal of part of a lung in his youth following a severe infection. In recent years, recurring illness led to the cancellation of several public appearances, including a scheduled trip to the UAE in 2023.

In 2024, he approved an updated version of the papal funeral rite, Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, which emphasizes simplicity and the Church’s hope in the Resurrection. His funeral will be guided by this renewed rite, reflecting his wish to be remembered not as a figure of worldly power, but as a humble pastor and follower of Christ.

Further details regarding the funeral service are expected to be announced following the first gathering of the College of Cardinals.

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