Pope Francis died on Easter Monday morning at 7:35 am, the Vatican announced. He was 88. The news was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell , the Vatican camerlengo, who oversees Church operations during a papal interregnum.
"At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father," Cardinal Farrell said in a solemn statement. "His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church."
Also Read | Pope Francis Death Live Updates
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope , the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years. His decade-long papacy was marked by his emphasis on mercy, inclusiveness, humility, and a deep concern for the environment and the marginalized.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized,” Farrell added.
Pope Francis had faced ongoing health issues in recent years, including respiratory complications and intestinal surgery. Despite his physical struggles, he continued to lead the Church with a focus on compassion and reform.
“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 God, One and Triune,” Farrell said.
During his tenure, Pope Francis undertook significant reforms within the Vatican, including efforts to address financial transparency and clerical abuse. He also championed environmental causes, most notably through his encyclical Laudato Si', which called for global action on climate change.
Also read: How a new pope will be chosen
The Pope's health had been a concern in recent years. He was hospitalized multiple times for respiratory issues, including a bout of double pneumonia earlier this year. Despite his ailments, he remained active in his duties, often speaking about the inevitability of death and the importance of preparing for it.
Also read: Who could be the next Pope?
The Vatican is expected to announce funeral arrangements soon. The Catholic Church now enters a period of mourning and sede vacante, during which the College of Cardinals will gather to elect a new pope.
"At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father," Cardinal Farrell said in a solemn statement. "His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church."
Also Read | Pope Francis Death Live Updates
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope , the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years. His decade-long papacy was marked by his emphasis on mercy, inclusiveness, humility, and a deep concern for the environment and the marginalized.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized,” Farrell added.
BREAKING: Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced.https://t.co/d40fgMNYxi
— Sky News (@SkyNews) April 21, 2025
📺 Sky 501 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/F1BHUy7CUM
Pope Francis had faced ongoing health issues in recent years, including respiratory complications and intestinal surgery. Despite his physical struggles, he continued to lead the Church with a focus on compassion and reform.
“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 God, One and Triune,” Farrell said.
During his tenure, Pope Francis undertook significant reforms within the Vatican, including efforts to address financial transparency and clerical abuse. He also championed environmental causes, most notably through his encyclical Laudato Si', which called for global action on climate change.
Also read: How a new pope will be chosen
The Pope's health had been a concern in recent years. He was hospitalized multiple times for respiratory issues, including a bout of double pneumonia earlier this year. Despite his ailments, he remained active in his duties, often speaking about the inevitability of death and the importance of preparing for it.
Also read: Who could be the next Pope?
The Vatican is expected to announce funeral arrangements soon. The Catholic Church now enters a period of mourning and sede vacante, during which the College of Cardinals will gather to elect a new pope.
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