VATICAN CITY– Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed this morning. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the pontiff’s passing at 7:35 AM from the Casa Santa Marta, his residence within Vatican City.
The announcement, delivered by Cardinal Farrell, stated, “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.”
The statement further emphasized Pope Francis’s dedication to service, saying, “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 favour of the poorest and most marginalised.”
The Pope’s death occurred hours after he addressed faithful gathered for Easter Mass at the Vatican. He had been recovering from a recent hospitalization at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital, where he was treated for bronchitis and later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. He was admitted on February 14, 2025.
Pope Francis had a history of respiratory issues, including a lung resection in his youth and recurring illnesses in his later years. Notably, he had approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, which outlines simplified funeral procedures focused on expressing the Church’s faith in the Risen Christ.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, indicated that the Pope had requested these simplifications, emphasizing the funeral as that of a “pastor and disciple of Christ.” The revised rites include the ascertainment of death in the chapel and immediate placement of the body in the coffin. Further details regarding the funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
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