Pope Francis dies at 88: A humble servant of Christ passes on Easter Monday

The Catholic Church and the world are mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. He died at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who addressed the faithful from Casa Santa Marta with deep emotion.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” he said. “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, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, had long battled health issues. In 1957, while still in his early twenties, he underwent surgery to remove a portion of his lung after suffering a severe respiratory infection.

Throughout his papacy, he frequently faced bouts of respiratory illnesses, notably cancelling a planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.

His final illness began earlier this year. On February 14, 2025, the Pope was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital after suffering from bronchitis.

Despite intensive treatment, his condition deteriorated, and by February 18, doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia. After 38 days of hospitalization, Pope Francis was discharged and returned to Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.

However, his health continued to decline until his passing this morning.

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In what now appears to have been a prophetic act, Pope Francis had approved an updated edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis—the liturgical book for papal funeral rites—in April 2024.

The revised rites, introduced under his guidance, include significant changes, such as the immediate transfer of the Pope’s body to the coffin following the official verification of death in the chapel, rather than in his room.

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, explained that Pope Francis personally requested that his funeral rites be simplified, focusing on the faith of the Church in the resurrection of Christ rather than the worldly status of the Pontiff.

“The renewed rite,” Archbishop Ravelli stated, “seeks to emphasize even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”

As preparations begin for the funeral Mass, the Vatican awaits an official announcement regarding the details of the ceremonies, expected to draw mourners and dignitaries from around the globe.

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and the first Latin American Pope, leaves behind a profound legacy of humility, compassion, and reform.

His papacy was marked by an unwavering focus on mercy, care for the marginalized, environmental stewardship, and a call for a more synodal Church rooted in listening and inclusivity.