Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday at age of 88

At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta, expressing deep sorrow with the following words:

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with profound sadness, I must inform you of the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house. His entire life was dedicated to serving the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the Gospel values with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for 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 was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14, 2025, after battling bronchitis for several days. His condition gradually worsened, and by February 18, bilateral pneumonia was diagnosed. After 38 days in the hospital, he returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.

Pope Francis had a history of respiratory issues, dating back to 1957 when, in his early 20s, he underwent surgery in Argentina to remove part of a lung damaged by a severe infection. As he aged, he frequently suffered from respiratory illnesses, including a cancelled trip to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.

In April 2024, Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide the Mass for his funeral, the date of which has not yet been announced. The second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis introduces new elements, including how the Pope’s mortal remains are to be handled after death. The death is officially declared in the chapel, not in the room where he passed, and his body is placed immediately in the coffin.

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, shared that Pope Francis had requested simplified funeral rites that emphasize the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ. He stated, “The renewed rite aims to highlight that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ, not a powerful figure of this world.”