Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday

Vatican City, Rome — Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, died peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

The Holy Father passed away at 7:35 a.m. at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City, following a prolonged period of health complications.

The announcement was made at 9:45 a.m. by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who delivered an emotional statement:

“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.”

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first Jesuit and the first Latin American Pope, elected to the papacy on March 13, 2013.

His tenure was marked by a deep commitment to social justice, ecological responsibility, interfaith dialogue, and a pastoral approach to Church leadership that endeared him to millions around the world.

Pope Francis had been battling health issues in recent years. He was hospitalized on February 14, 2025, with bronchitis and later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.

Despite being discharged after 38 days, his condition remained fragile. His deteriorating health followed a long history of respiratory complications, including the removal of part of his lung in his youth.

In 2024, he approved revisions to the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical book outlining papal funeral rites. True to his humble nature, he requested simplified funeral ceremonies focused on faith in the Risen Christ rather than the power of the papacy.

According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, Pope Francis wanted the rites to reflect his pastoral mission and personal humility.

The new guidelines will be followed in the coming days, with the date of the funeral Mass yet to be announced.

Pope Francis leaves behind a profound legacy as a reformer and a shepherd who sought to bring the Church closer to the people, especially the poor and the outcast. His papacy redefined modern Catholicism, prioritizing mercy over judgment and dialogue over division.

He is mourned not only by the Catholic faithful but by leaders and communities across the globe who saw in him a beacon of hope, compassion, and moral clarity in turbulent times.