The Catholic Church and the world are in mourning following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on the morning of Monday, 21st April 2025, at the age of 88.
The news of the Pope’s demise comes just a day after he made a surprise public appearance in his wheelchair, blessing the faithful gathered at St. Peter’s Square during Easter Sunday celebrations.
According to the Vatican, the announcement was made at 9:45 a.m. by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, from the Casa Santa Marta.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” the Cardinal said.
“At 7:35 a.m. this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to serving the Lord and His Church. 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.”
The Pope had been admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, 14th February 2025, following a prolonged battle with bronchitis. His condition worsened days later, and he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia on Tuesday, 18th February. After 38 days of intensive treatment, the Pope was discharged to continue his recovery at the Casa Santa Marta, his Vatican residence.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, underwent a partial lung removal in 1957 due to a serious respiratory infection. Throughout his later years, he continued to struggle with lung-related illnesses, including a cancelled visit to the United Arab Emirates in 2023, citing influenza and lung inflammation.
In April 2024, the late pontiff had approved a new edition of the papal funeral rite, a move that now appears prophetic.
The Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis outlines revised procedures for papal funerals, including transferring the deceased Pope’s body directly from the chapel, rather than the room of death, into the coffin.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, noted that Pope Francis had requested a simpler funeral liturgy. “The renewed rite,” said Ravelli, “seeks to emphasise 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.”
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
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