Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday 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 Apostolic Chamber, delivered the somber announcement:
“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 His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for 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.”
The Pope had been admitted to Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after experiencing persistent bronchitis.
His condition deteriorated over the following days, and on Tuesday, February 18, doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia.
After spending 38 days in hospital, he returned to Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery, but his health never fully improved.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had a long history of respiratory issues. In his early twenties, he underwent surgery in Argentina to remove part of a lung due to a severe infection.
In later years, he continued to suffer from respiratory ailments, including a flu-related lung inflammation that forced the cancellation of a planned trip to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023.
Despite his health struggles, Pope Francis remained active in his papal duties. In April 2024, he approved a revised edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will be used for his own funeral.
The second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis includes new instructions on the handling of a pope’s remains, emphasizing faith and humility over formality and grandeur.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, shared that the late pope had requested a simplified funeral, centered on the Church’s belief in the Resurrection.
“The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasize even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ, not of a powerful figure of this world.”
