Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday, Funeral Plans Underway
Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died at 7:35 a.m. CEST in his residence at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City. His final days followed a period of fragile health, including a prolonged hospital stay earlier in the year due to double pneumonia and a respiratory infection.
The formal announcement of his death was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who confirmed the Pope’s passing from the chapel of the papal residence. While the exact medical cause was not disclosed publicly, his deteriorating health had limited his public appearances in recent months.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, made history as the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European to be elected in over 1,200 years. His papacy began in March 2013 and was defined by a bold push for inclusivity, compassion, and reform. He became a moral voice on global issues such as climate change, migration, economic inequality, and interfaith dialogue, consistently urging the Church to stand with the marginalized.
Despite his ailing health, Pope Francis appeared briefly on Easter Sunday, delivering the Urbi et Orbi blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica and also meeting U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance later that day. It was to be his final public act.
The traditional Vatican protocols began immediately after his passing. These included the rite of ascertainment of death and ceremonial duties by the Camerlengo. In line with his humble lifestyle, Pope Francis had requested a simpler funeral and chose not to be buried in the Vatican. Instead, he will be interred at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, marking the first time in over a century that a pontiff will be buried outside Vatican grounds.
Tributes have poured in from around the globe. Prominent leaders, including King Charles III, reflected on their recent interactions with the late Pope, calling him a beacon of peace and unity. Public figures also shared their personal grief, with several noting his openness and humanity that transcended faith and politics.
The College of Cardinals will now convene in a conclave in May to elect the next pope. The election must take place within 15 to 20 days of the papal seat falling vacant, though an earlier start is possible if all voting cardinals have arrived in Rome.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of compassion, reform, and an enduring call for the Church to serve not just the faithful but all of humanity. His death marks the end of a transformative chapter in Catholic history.
