Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

The announcement was made at 9:45 AM by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who delivered the following statement from Casa Santa Marta:

“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 of 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. 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.”

 

Pope Francis had been admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, following a prolonged bout of bronchitis. His condition gradually worsened, and on Tuesday, February 18, doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia. After spending 38 days in the hospital, he returned to Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.

The late Pope had a long history of respiratory issues. In 1957, while in his early 20s, he underwent surgery in Argentina to remove part of a lung due to a severe infection. These challenges continued throughout his life, including a cancelled trip to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023, due to influenza and lung inflammation.

In a poignant act of foresight, Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis—the liturgical book guiding papal funerals—in April 2024. This updated version includes new elements, such as the transfer of the Pope’s body to the chapel for the formal confirmation of death, followed by immediate placement in the coffin.

According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, Pope Francis had requested a simplified funeral focused on the faith of the Church in the resurrection of Christ.

“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.”

The Vatican has not yet announced the official date of the funeral Mass.