Vatican City – April 21, 2025 — Pope Francis, the beloved spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church and a global symbol of humility, compassion, and justice, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. He died peacefully at 7:35 AM at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City.

The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who said, “With deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church… We commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, had battled chronic respiratory issues throughout his life. His health declined significantly in recent months following a bout of bronchitis in February, which developed into bilateral pneumonia. After 38 days of hospitalization at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, he returned to the Vatican, where he continued his recovery until his passing.

Known for his groundbreaking approach to the papacy, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit, the first from the Global South, and the first pope named after St. Francis of Assisi. His papacy, which began in 2013, was marked by a deep concern for the poor, marginalized, and the environment, as well as efforts to reform the Church and foster interfaith dialogue.

Even in his final months, Pope Francis remained active. In April 2024, he approved a revised edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical guide for papal funerals, emphasizing simplicity and pastoral devotion. His request was clear: his funeral should reflect his life as a servant of God, not as a figure of worldly power.

“The renewed rite seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ,” said Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies.

Details of the funeral Mass are expected to be announced in the coming days, with global leaders and faithful likely to gather in Rome to pay tribute to a pope who reshaped the papacy for a new era.

Source: Vatican News – Devin Watkins