The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The announcement of his death was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, from the Casa Santa Marta at 9:45 AM.
Cardinal Farrell conveyed the solemn news, stating, "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. 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 had been admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, following a period of bronchitis. His condition deteriorated, leading to a diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia on Tuesday, February 18. After a 38-day hospital stay, he returned to his Vatican residence, the Casa Santa Marta, to continue his recovery.
Throughout his life, Pope Francis faced respiratory challenges. In his early 20s, he underwent surgery in Argentina to remove a portion of his lung due to a severe infection. As he aged, he experienced recurring respiratory illnesses, including the cancellation of a trip to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.
Notably, in April 2024, Pope Francis had approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide the upcoming funeral Mass. This revised Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis includes new procedures for handling the Pope's remains after death. Specifically, the ascertainment of death will take place in the chapel, rather than the deceased's room, and the body will be immediately placed in the coffin.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, explained that Pope Francis had requested a simplified funeral rite, emphasizing the Church's faith in the Risen Body of Christ. Archbishop Ravelli stated, "The renewed rite seeks to emphasise 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."
