Pope Francis Dies on Easter Monday Aged 88

Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88. His death occurred at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who stated, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

Pope Francis had a history of respiratory issues, having had part of his right lung removed in his early twenties due to a severe infection. In February 2025, he was hospitalised at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome with bronchitis, which developed into bilateral pneumonia. After a 38-day hospital stay, he was discharged on 23 March to continue his recovery at home.

Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, 20 April, blessing the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square. He delegated the celebration of the Easter Mass to Cardinal Angelo Comastri but addressed the crowd briefly, emphasising themes of peace and compassion. He also held a lightning private audience with US Vice President JD Vance.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over a millennium . Elected on 13 March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, his papacy was marked by efforts to reform the Church and address contemporary global issues.​

Pope Francis was known for his humility and commitment to social justice. He chose to live in the modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the traditional Apostolic Palace, reflecting his preference for simplicity . His papacy emphasised outreach to the marginalised, including migrants and the poor, and he was a vocal advocate for environmental stewardship, notably through his encyclical Laudato Si’.​

He also addressed internal Church issues, taking steps to confront the clergy sexual abuse crisis and promoting greater transparency. His progressive stances on issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and interfaith dialogue garnered both praise and criticism within the Church and beyond.

The passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday has prompted an outpouring of tributes from leaders worldwide, reflecting on his profound impact on the Catholic Church and global affairs. French President Emmanuel Macron honoured the Pope's dedication to the vulnerable, stating that Francis "always sided with the most vulnerable and the most fragile, and he did this with a lot of humility." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed deep sorrow, describing Francis as "a great man, a great shepherd," and acknowledged the privilege of his friendship and counsel. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that the Pope "inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate." Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, expressed shock and called for prayers and church bell tolls to honour the Pope. 

In April 2024, Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, emphasising simplicity and the expression of faith in the Risen Christ. The Vatican has initiated traditional rituals following his death, including the symbolic destruction of the “ring of the fisherman,” signifying the end of his papal authority.

Preparations are underway for the papal conclave, where 135 cardinals under the age of 80 will convene in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope. The conclave will be conducted under strict confidentiality, with up to four ballots cast daily until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority.​

Pope Francis’s death brings to a close a papacy that reshaped the tone and priorities of the Roman Catholic Church in the 21st century. Known for his pastoral warmth, unorthodox approach to tradition, and unwavering concern for society’s most vulnerable, he became a spiritual figure whose influence extended far beyond the Church’s boundaries. As the bells of St Peter’s toll and preparations begin for the conclave to elect his successor, over a billion Catholics around the world enter a period of mourning.

Image: Catholic Church in England and Wales/Flickr

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