Pope Francis dies at 88
The religious leader, the first Latin American pope in the history of the Catholic Church, was 88 years old and was battling a persistent respiratory infection. Francis died at 7:35 a.m. local time after suffering cardiac arrest while sleeping. The news was announced by the camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, via video.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and very popular among the faithful around the world, but who faced fierce opposition in his reform of the Catholic Church, died this Monday (21.04.2025) at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed. The news was announced by the camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, via a video.
"It is with profound sorrow that I announce to you that Pope Francis passed away today at 7:35 a.m. local time (5:35 a.m. GMT). The Bishop of Rome has returned to the Father's house. He dedicated his entire life to the service of the Lord and his Church, and taught us the value of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized," announced Farrell, who will serve on an interim basis.
And he continued: "With immense gratitude for his example as a disciple of the Lord Jesus, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the Triune God."
The video, recorded in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, also features Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Venezuelan Undersecretary of State Edgar Peña Parra.
On Sunday, Francis greeted the faithful
On Friday, February 14, 2025, Francis was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome suffering from bronchitis that caused severe breathing difficulties. He was diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, requiring intensive medical treatment, raising concerns about his condition. He was finally discharged on March 23.
On Sunday, April 20, still convalescing, he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and in a weak voice wished a "Happy Easter" to the thousands of faithful gathered there. Later, unexpectedly, he toured St. Peter's Square aboard the Popemobile to greet the people. It would be his last public appearance.
The Pope's death will trigger a series of formal ceremonies, dictated by tradition and governed by very precise rules. Nine days of funeral services are planned, along with a 15- to 20-day period to organize a conclave with some 130 cardinal electors to elect a successor. More than two-thirds of them were appointed by Francis.
The first Jesuit and Latin American Pope in history was tirelessly involved in defending migrants, the environment, and social justice, without questioning the Church's positions on issues such as abortion or priestly celibacy.
The papacy of Francis
His pontificate began in March 2013, when he was elected the first Latin American pope. His leadership was characterized by a renewed drive within the Church, with an emphasis on inclusion, interfaith dialogue, concern for the environmental crisis, and a commitment to peace.
Until his final days, Francis maintained that message. "I think of so many countries that are at war. Brothers and sisters, let us pray for peace. Let us do everything possible for peace. Let us not forget that war is always a defeat. We were not born to kill, but to make people grow. Let us find paths to peace," he said in one of his last public speeches. Furthermore, his death marks the beginning of the Sede Vacante period, a period provided for by canon law during which papal authority is suspended and various activities of the Roman Curia cease.
During this period, the camerlengo is responsible for administering the ordinary affairs of the Holy See, while the conclave in which the new Pope will be elected is organized.
Among the immediate rituals, the Fisherman's Ring, the official papal seal, will be destroyed to prevent forgery, and the wake and funeral program will be formally announced. Pope Francis's body will lie in state for several days in St. Peter's Basilica, where preparations have already begun to welcome the faithful, heads of state, and religious leaders from around the world.
The Argentine pontiff's burial place has not yet been confirmed. This information will be revealed in the coming hours, when the details of his will are published. Possibilities include the Vatican crypt, where other popes are buried, or one of Rome's major basilicas.