Pope Francis has passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in his residence at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the Pope's death from Casa Santa Marta.
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He expressed the following sentiments: "Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sadness I must share the news of our Holy Father Francis' passing. This morning at 7:35, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His life was devoted to serving the Lord and His Church, teaching us to embody the Gospel's values with fidelity, courage, and unconditional love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized among us. With heartfelt gratitude for his inspiring example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the boundless merciful love of the One Triune God." Pope Francis was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14, 2025, after battling bronchitis for a few days. His health declined further, and he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia on February 18. After spending 38 days in the hospital, he returned to his residence at Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery. In 1957, at the age of 20, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery in Argentina to remove a part of his lung affected by a severe respiratory infection. Over the years, Pope Francis frequently faced respiratory issues, even canceling a visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation. In April 2024, Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide the forthcoming funeral Mass. The second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis introduces new protocols, including that the formal declaration of death occurs in the chapel rather than the place of passing, with the body being placed directly into the coffin. Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, noted that Pope Francis had requested simplified funeral rites that focus on the Church's faith in the Risen Body of Christ.
"The renewed rite," stated Archbishop Ravelli, "aims to highlight that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ, rather than a figure of worldly power." Thank you for reading. Stay informed by subscribing to our daily newsletter—just click here. Support our mission to spread the Pope's teachings to every home.