Pope Francis Passes Away at 88 on Easter Monday, Vatican Confirms
The leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has died at the age of 88.
The Holy Father passed away peacefully at 7:35 AM on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
His death was officially announced at 9:45 AM by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who described the Pope as a faithful servant of the Lord and a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
The Cardinal praised the late Pontiff’s dedication to the Gospel, especially his love and care for the poor and marginalized.
Pope Francis had been in and out of hospital earlier this year.
On Friday, February 14, he was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital after struggling with bronchitis.
A few days later, on Tuesday, February 18, his condition worsened and he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.
After spending 38 days in hospital, he returned to his Vatican home to continue recovery. Sadly, his health continued to decline.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church.
His papacy was marked by humility, simplicity, and a strong call to social justice.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/jUIkbplVi2
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025
At 9:45 AM on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, spoke these words at the 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,…
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025