Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88.
Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88.
The Vatican has confirmed that the pontiff died on Easter Monday at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, located within Vatican City.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the news of Pope Francis's death from Casa Santa Marta on Monday morning.
Cardinal Farrell stated that the Pope died at precisely 7:35 AM.
This announcement follows the Pope's interaction with Catholic faithful who attended the Easter mass at the Vatican just hours earlier on Sunday.
In his announcement, Cardinal Farrell expressed, “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sorrow that I must inform you of the passing of our Holy Father Francis.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.
“His life was wholly devoted to serving the Lord and His Church. He exemplified the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, particularly for the poorest and most marginalized.
“With deep gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the boundless merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
It is important to note that the Pope had been recovering after being discharged from the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital.
Following a 38-day hospital stay, the late Pope returned to his residence at Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.
He was admitted to the hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after experiencing bronchitis for several days.
Pope Francis's health condition deteriorated, leading to a diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia on Tuesday, February 18.
In 1957, when he was in his early twenties, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery in Argentina to remove a portion of his lung affected by a severe respiratory infection.
As he aged, Pope Francis frequently faced respiratory issues, which even led to the cancellation of a planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.
In April 2024, the late Pope Francis sanctioned a revised version of the liturgical book governing papal funeral rites, which will serve as a framework for the upcoming funeral Mass, the date of which is yet to be disclosed.
The second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis incorporates several new features, particularly regarding the treatment of the Pope's remains following his passing.
The declaration of death will occur in the chapel instead of the location of his demise, and his body will be promptly placed in the coffin.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, noted that the late Pope Francis had requested a simplification of the funeral rites, emphasizing the expression of the Church's faith in the Risen Body of Christ.
“The updated rite,” Archbishop Ravelli stated, “aims to highlight that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a shepherd and follower of Christ, rather than that of a worldly authority.”
