Pope Francis has died aged 88 after weeks of health issues. His passing marks the end of a transformative papacy that touched millions of Catholics worldwide.
The Pontiff battled double pneumonia and bronchitis in recent weeks and it has now been confirmed he passed away on Easter Monday (21.04.25) at his home in the Vatican. Easter Monday holds special significance in the Catholic liturgical calendar as it follows the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell broke the sad news of the Pope’s death in a statement released by the Vatican. “At 7.35am 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 in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. This commitment to social justice became a defining characteristic of his papacy, earning him admiration from many beyond the Catholic Church.
“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.” Cardinal Farrell will now oversee certain Vatican administrative functions during the transition period.
A statement from the Vatican News added: “Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.” The Pope had chosen to live in the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse rather than the traditional papal apartments, reflecting his preference for a simpler lifestyle.
The news has plunged the world’s Catholic community into mourning. Catholics across the globe will now enter a period of remembrance for their spiritual leader.
The Pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 and a statement from the Vatican confirmed he was in critical condition. The Gemelli hospital has long served as a medical facility for popes throughout recent history.
It explained: “The condition of the Holy Father remains critical, but since yesterday evening, he has not experienced any further respiratory crises… His medical team has been providing continuous care throughout his hospitalization.
“The Holy Father remains alert and well-oriented. The complexity of the clinical situation and the necessary time for the pharmacological treatments to show results require that the prognosis remain guarded. Medical experts expressed ongoing concern about his overall health condition.
“This morning, in the apartment on the tenth floor, he participated in the Holy Mass, together with those who have been taking care of him during these days of hospitalization.” The special papal medical suite has been used by previous pontiffs during health crises.
He remained in hospital but sent an audio message to his followers at the start of March before eventually being discharged on March 23. The message provided some reassurance to the faithful despite continuing health concerns.
He made several very brief appearances to wave to well-wishers and is believed to have been prescribed two months of rest and recovery. Various Vatican officials assisted with papal duties during his convalescence.
Pope Francis – who was born in Argentina – became head of the Catholic Church in 2013 after his predecessor Benedict XVI stepped down from the role making him the first ever Pope to hail from South America. His papacy brought several historic firsts to the Vatican.
He suffered health problems from a young age and had part of a lung removed when he was in his 20s due to a severe infection, which affected his respiratory capacity throughout his life.
He also spent time in hospital in 2021 after undergoing an operation to remove part of his colon and in 2023, he was hospitalised again for issues relating to an abdominal hernia. Despite these medical challenges, he maintained many of his papal duties even during periods of recovery.
The process to elect a new Pope is expected to start between 15 and 20 days after Pope Francis‘ death. The College of Cardinals will gather in a conclave to select the next pontiff through their traditional voting process.
