The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis — born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio — died on Easter Monday, aged 88.
On Monday (local time), Cardinal Kevin Farrell officially announced that Pope Francis had passed away from 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, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Farrel said, per Vatican News.
“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 favour of the poorest and most marginalised. 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 Vatican News also shared the devastating news on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.”
While the cause of his death has not been revealed, the Vatican and the Pope have been very open about his recent health battles.
In March, the Vatican revealed that Pope Francis was in “critical condition” at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he was being treated for pneumonia after experiencing breathing difficulties.
“The Holy Father’s condition remains critical. The Pope is not out of danger,” the Vatican shared at the time.
“The Holy Father remains alert and has spent the day in a chair, though he is more unwell than yesterday.
“At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded.”
However, weeks after the major health scare, things seemed to be going well as the Argentinian-born Pope was discharged from the hospital and was ready to return to work.
Per The Sydney Morning Herald, Pope Francis’ death will be followed by an official “nine-day mourning period” as well as “intrigue” in regards to who will take his place in leading 1.3 billion Roman Catholics.
R.I.P Pope Francis.
Image source: Getty Images
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