(VATICAN CITY) – Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced early on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. His death marks the end of a papacy focused on compassion, reform, and outreach to the marginalized.
The pontiff passed away at 7:35 AM local time in his residence at the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City, following a period of declining health.
Official Announcement of Pope Francis's Death
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, made the formal announcement at 9:45 AM from the Casa Santa Marta.
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"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Cardinal Farrell stated. "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 added, "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."
Health Struggles and Final Days
The death of Pope Francis followed recent significant health challenges. He was admitted to Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14, 2025, suffering from bronchitis. His condition worsened, leading to a diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia on February 18.
After a 38-day hospital stay, Pope Francis returned to the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery. However, his long history of respiratory issues, including surgery in his youth in Argentina to remove part of a lung (1957) and bouts of illness like the influenza and lung inflammation that forced the cancellation of a UAE trip in November 2023, likely contributed to his declining health.
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Next Steps: Lying in State and Funeral Arrangements
Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, outlined the immediate next steps following the Pope's death.
✅Certification of Death: The official rite certifying the Pope's death took place Monday evening at 8:00 PM in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta.
✅Sealing of Apartments: Seals were placed on the traditional papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace and his residence in the Casa Santa Marta.
✅Lying in State: The Pope's body may be transferred to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday morning, April 23, 2025, allowing the faithful to pay their respects. Final arrangements will be confirmed after the first meeting of Cardinals.
✅College of Cardinals: The first General Congregation of the College of Cardinals is scheduled for Tuesday morning, April 22. A key decision expected from this meeting is the date for the papal funeral.
Simplified Funeral Rites
Pope Francis had previously approved updated and simplified funeral rites in April 2024 (the second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis). According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, these changes reflect the late Pope's desire for the funeral to emphasize faith and his role as a pastor, rather than worldly power.
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Key changes include the ascertainment of death occurring in the chapel and the immediate placement of the body into the coffin.
The death of Pope Francis brings an end to the tenure of the 266th Pope, known for his humility, emphasis on mercy, and efforts to reform Vatican structures. The coming days will see the Vatican navigate the ancient traditions surrounding a papal death and prepare for the Conclave to elect his successor.
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