Pope Francis has passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who reported that the Pope died at 7:35 AM local time at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
This announcement follows a period of declining health for the Pope, who had been recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia that required hospitalization for five weeks prior to his death.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, became the first pope from the Americas when he was elected in 2013. Throughout his papacy, he was known for his emphasis on compassion, social justice, and outreach to the marginalized. His teachings resonated globally, and he worked tirelessly to promote dialogue among different faiths and cultures.
In the days leading up to his passing, Pope Francis had been experiencing significant health challenges. His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, where he met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance to exchange greetings. However, he delegated the celebration of the Easter Mass to another cardinal due to his ongoing health issues.
Following the announcement of his death, Cardinal Farrell expressed profound gratitude for Pope Francis’s life and teachings, highlighting his unwavering dedication to the service of the Church and commitment to Gospel values. The Vatican is expected to hold a series of memorial services, culminating in a funeral that will bring together leaders and faithful from around the world to honor his legacy. As the world mourns, Pope Francis’s impact on the Catholic Church and the global community will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.
