Pope Francis Dies at Age 88, Vatican Announces

His Holiness Pope Francis, the 266th Successor of St. Peter and Bishop of Rome, has passed away peacefully at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City. The solemn announcement was made at 9:45 a.m. by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Farrell declared. “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.”

A Life Devoted to the Gospel

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first Pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit elected to the papacy. His pontificate was marked by an unwavering emphasis on mercy, humility, social justice, and dialogue, especially on behalf of the vulnerable and excluded.

Pope Francis’ leadership style and pastoral heart earned him admiration across the world, both within and outside the Catholic Church. Known as the “Pope of Mercy,” he consistently championed causes of peace, environmental stewardship, interfaith harmony, and reform within the Church.

Health Struggles and Final Days

The Holy Father had long battled respiratory issues, dating back to a partial lung removal in 1957 during his youth. His condition grew more fragile in recent years. On February 14, 2025, he was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital after a prolonged bout of bronchitis. By February 18, he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.

Following 38 days of hospitalization, Pope Francis returned to Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery. Despite his resilience, his health continued to decline in the weeks that followed.

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral details will be announced shortly. However, in April 2024, Pope Francis personally approved a revised edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical guidelines for a papal funeral.

According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the Holy Father expressed his desire for a simple, solemn funeral, focused on the hope of resurrection rather than the grandeur of office.

“The renewed rite,” Archbishop Ravelli stated, “seeks to emphasize even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ, not of a powerful person of this world.”

Per the new guidelines, the Pope’s body will be placed in the coffin immediately following the official verification of death inside the chapel, rather than the private room where he passed.

A Legacy That Endures

Pope Francis leaves behind a profound spiritual and moral legacy, one that challenged global leaders, stirred consciences, and reoriented the Church toward the margins of society. He is remembered for calling on all people to become “missionary disciples” and to serve with joy, simplicity, and love.

The global Church now enters a period of mourning as preparations begin for the papal funeral and the eventual convening of a conclave to elect the next Bishop of Rome.