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Vatican City, April 21, 2025 — The Holy See announced this morning the passing of Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, at the age of 88.
At 9:45 AM local time, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, solemnly declared the death of the pontiff from Casa Santa Marta, where the Pope had been residing since returning from hospital. “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.”
Cardinal Farrell praised Pope Francis as a shepherd devoted to the service of God and the Church, who “taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”
Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, confirmed that the Pope’s body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, where the faithful will be able to pay their final respects. Full arrangements for the funeral are expected to be confirmed after the Cardinals’ first General Congregation.
Pope Francis was hospitalized on February 14 at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic after suffering from bronchitis. His condition later deteriorated to bilateral pneumonia, and although he returned to Casa Santa Marta after 38 days, he never fully recovered.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the future Pope had battled respiratory issues since his youth, including a major lung operation in 1957. More recently, his health forced him to cancel several international trips, including a scheduled visit to the UAE in 2023.
In one of his final acts as Pope, Francis approved an updated edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis in April 2024, the official liturgical guide for papal funerals. The new rite simplifies several aspects of the ceremonies, in keeping with Pope Francis’ consistent message of humility and service.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, noted that the late Pope had requested that his funeral be marked by simplicity and spiritual reflection rather than grandeur. “The renewed rite seeks to emphasize even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ,” he said, “not of a powerful person of this world.”
Pope Francis will be remembered as the “Pope of Mercy,” a pontiff whose legacy centered on peace, compassion, and a deep concern for the marginalized of society.
