Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at his residence in Casa Santa Marta within the Vatican. The announcement was made at 9:45 a.m. by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
The pontiff died peacefully at 7:35 a.m., according to Cardinal Farrell, who described the late Pope as a devoted servant of the Church and a tireless advocate for the poor and marginalized. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” Farrell said during the official declaration.
The Holy See Press Office later confirmed that plans are underway to move Pope Francis’ body to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, where the faithful will be able to pay their final respects. Details regarding the public viewing and funeral arrangements will be finalized after the first meeting of the College of Cardinals.
The Pope had been struggling with health complications since February. He was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14, suffering from bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia. He remained hospitalized for 38 days before returning to the Vatican in March to continue his recovery.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, had a long history of respiratory issues dating back to 1957, when a lung surgery left him with reduced lung capacity. Over the years, his health continued to fluctuate. In November 2023, he canceled an official trip to the United Arab Emirates due to influenza and lung inflammation.
Just a year before his passing, in April 2024, Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical guide for papal funerals. The updated rites include changes in how the Pope’s death is confirmed and how the body is handled, placing stronger emphasis on the Pope as a shepherd rather than a worldly figure.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, noted that the late Pope had personally requested a simple funeral that centers on the Church’s faith in the resurrection.
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