Leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. The Pope died on the morning of Easter Monday, April 21, 2025 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
The news of His passing was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrel of the Apostolic Chamber.
“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,” Cardinal Kevin said in a statement.
“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.”
Pope Francis was first admitted at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after he suffered from Bronchitis. After a series of tests, his doctors diagnosed him with double pneumonia.
However, at the lapse of 38 days stay at the hospital, the Pontiff was discharged and he returned to his Vatican residence to continue with recovery.
Francis has since made impromptu public appearances including a meet and greet session with hundreds of pilgrims who had gathered at the St. Peter’s Square to commemorate Palm Sunday.
His last public appearance was yesterday, April 20, at the St Peter’s Square during the Easter Sunday celebrations.
Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) is the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church. He took over from the late Pope Benedict XVI in March 2013.
