Pope Francis passed away this Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at the Casa Santa Marta residence in the Vatican, as reported by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, at 9:45 a.m. Rome time.
Final moments and official announcement
"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," declared Cardinal Farrell from the Vatican.
According to Vatican News, Pope Francis's health had deteriorated since February, when he was hospitalized due to persistent bronchitis. On February 18, he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and spent 38 days in the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic before returning to the Vatican to continue his recovery.
A life marked by pastoral dedication
Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was the first Jesuit pontiff and the first Latin American pope in history. Throughout his papacy, he promoted a vision of a Church that is more open, supportive, and committed to the marginalized. His work focused on peace, the environment, interreligious dialogue, and combating abuses within the Church.
In 1957, when he was young, he underwent surgery to remove part of a lung due to a severe infection. Respiratory illnesses accompanied him until the end of his days, even preventing him from taking trips like the one planned to the United Arab Emirates in 2023.
A humble funeral, according to his wishes
In April 2024, Pope Francis approved a new edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical book that governs papal funerals. He requested that his funeral be simple, focused on faith in the risen Christ rather than on symbols of worldly power, as explained by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Liturgical Celebrations.
The details of the funeral have not yet been announced, but the ceremony includes that the verification of death takes place in a chapel and that the pontiff's body will be placed directly in the coffin.
With his death, a new period of sede vacante begins, and the College of Cardinals will be convened to elect his successor in a new conclave.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Death of Pope Francis and His Legacy
When and where did Pope Francis pass away?
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the Casa Santa Marta residence in the Vatican, at the age of 88. His health had deteriorated since February due to respiratory complications, including bilateral pneumonia.
What was Pope Francis' legacy in the Church?
The Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Jesuit and Latin American pontiff. He left a reformist legacy, promoting a Church that is more open and committed to the marginalized. He focused on issues such as peace, the environment, interfaith dialogue, and the fight against abuse within the Church.
What will Pope Francis's funeral be like?
Pope Francis had requested that his funeral be simple, focused on faith in the risen Christ. The rite stipulates that the verification of death takes place in a chapel and that the pontiff's body is placed directly in the coffin. The specific details of the funeral have not yet been announced.
What happens after the death of Pope Francis?
With the death of Pope Francis, a period of sede vacante begins, and the College of Cardinals will be summoned to elect his successor in a new conclave. This process is a tradition within the Catholic Church following the passing of a pope.
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