Pope Francis Dies at Age 88: Vatican Announces Passing and Funeral Plans

On the morning of April 21, 2025, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, officially announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City. The beloved pontiff, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away at 7:35 AM after ongoing health challenges, including bilateral pneumonia.

"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 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."

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Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, later confirmed that the body of Pope Francis will likely be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where the faithful will be able to pay their respects.

"The translation of the Holy Father's mortal remains to the Vatican Basilica, for the veneration of all the faithful, may take place on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, according to the arrangements that shall be determined and communicated tomorrow, following the first Congregation of the Cardinals," Bruni said.

Pope Francis was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14, 2025, following complications from bronchitis. His condition worsened over the next few days, and by February 18, doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia. After 38 days in the hospital, he was discharged and returned to Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery, but his health declined again in the following weeks.

The Pope had a long history of respiratory issues, stemming from a lung surgery he underwent in 1957 in his native Argentina. In recent years, Pope Francis also canceled international trips, including a visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023, due to flu-like symptoms and lung inflammation.

In April 2024, Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the official liturgical guide for papal funerals. The updated rite reflects Pope Francis’ personal request for a simplified ceremony that highlights the Christian belief in the resurrection of the body.

According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies:

"The renewed rite seeks to emphasize 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."

Key changes include the immediate transfer of the Pope’s body to a coffin in a chapel rather than in the place of death, in line with his wishes for modesty and solemnity.

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