Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, in his residence at Casa Santa Marta within the Vatican. The somber announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, at 9:45 AM local time.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Farrell said. “His entire life was devoted to serving the Church and the Lord, living out the Gospel with courage, compassion, and love for the marginalized.”
Health Struggles Leading to His Death
The Pope had been hospitalized on February 14, 2025, at Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital due to bronchitis. His condition worsened over time, and by February 18, doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia. After a 38-day stay, he returned to the Vatican to continue his recovery.
Pope Francis had a long history of respiratory issues. In 1957, he underwent lung surgery in Argentina. In his later years, these problems became more frequent, including a canceled trip to the UAE in 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.
Legacy and Final Wishes
Despite his declining health, Pope Francis remained active in shaping the Church’s liturgical practices. In April 2024, he approved a revised edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the official guide for papal funeral rites.
This updated version emphasizes humility, simplicity, and faith in the Resurrection. It specifies that the Pope’s death is to be verified in a chapel and that his body is to be placed directly into a coffin without excessive ceremony—reflecting the late Pope’s desire for a more pastoral and spiritual focus.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, noted, “The new rite highlights that the funeral of a Pope should reflect the life of a shepherd and disciple of Christ, not a worldly leader.”
A Life of Service
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit and the first Latin American Pope. Throughout his papacy, he was known for advocating for the poor, promoting interfaith dialogue, and addressing global issues like climate change and inequality.
His legacy will be remembered not only for his reforms and outreach but also for his humility and deep commitment to Gospel values.
🕊️ In Summary
- Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
- He passed away after complications from pneumonia and respiratory illness.
- His final rites will follow a simplified, spiritual-focused funeral liturgy.
- Pope Francis leaves behind a profound legacy of service, faith, and compassion.
Nisham Ismail