Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died at his residence in Casa Santa Marta within the Vatican.
His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, speaking from Casa Santa Marta.
He 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 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.”
Pope Francis was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, following several days of battling bronchitis. His condition gradually deteriorated, and by Tuesday, February 18, doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia. After spending 38 days in the hospital, the late Pope returned to his residence at the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican to continue his recovery.
Back in 1957, while in his early twenties, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery in Argentina to remove part of his lung due to a severe respiratory infection. In later years, he continued to experience frequent respiratory issues. In November 2023, he had to cancel a scheduled visit to the United Arab Emirates because of influenza and lung inflammation.
In April 2024, Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the liturgical book used for papal funerals, which will serve as the guide for his own funeral Mass—details of which are yet to be announced. The updated Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis includes several new instructions, such as moving the confirmation of death to the chapel instead of the place of passing and placing the Pope’s body directly into the coffin.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, stated that Pope Francis had personally requested the funeral rites be simplified and centered on proclaiming the Church’s faith in the Risen Christ.
“The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “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.”
