Pope Francis, the 266th Bishop of Rome and the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican announced his passing on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, following complications from double pneumonia.
A Life Dedicated to Service
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis devoted his entire life to the service of the Church and the most vulnerable in society. His papacy was marked by a commitment to humility, inclusivity, and social justice, consistently advocating for the poor and marginalised.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, delivered the official announcement from Casa Santa Marta:
“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. 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 favour of the poorest and most marginalised. 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.”
Health Struggles in Later Years
Pope Francis’ health had become increasingly fragile in recent years. He was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on 14 February 2025 after suffering from bronchitis. His condition worsened, and doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on 18 February. After 38 days in hospital, he returned to his Vatican residence to continue his recovery, but ultimately succumbed to his illness.
The Pope had a history of respiratory problems, dating back to his early twenties when he underwent surgery in Argentina to remove part of a lung due to a severe infection. In recent years, he frequently experienced respiratory illnesses, including a cancelled visit to the United Arab Emirates in 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.
Legacy and Funeral Arrangements
Pope Francis will be remembered for his efforts to reform the Church, his compassionate outreach to people of all backgrounds, and his emphasis on mercy and care for creation. He was a vocal advocate for migrants, the environment, and interfaith dialogue, and his leadership style was characterised by simplicity and approachability.
In April 2024, he approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, reflecting his desire for a simplified ceremony focused on faith in the Risen Christ. Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, noted that the renewed rite “seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world”.
Details of the funeral Mass are expected to be announced soon, with the Church preparing to bid farewell to a pontiff who reshaped the papacy for the modern era.
A Historic Papacy
Pope Francis’ passing marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the Catholic Church. As the first pope from the Americas and a champion for the disenfranchised, his legacy will continue to influence the Church and the world for generations to come.
