VATICAN: Pope Francis Is Dead
Pope Francis has died. The Vatican News verified.
The leader of the Catholic Church died on Easter Monday, April 21, after suffering double pneumonia for more than a month.
“Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta,” Vatican News said in a tweet.
According to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, the Pope died at 7:35 a.m. on Monday, April 21.
The Camerlengo, who is tasked with communicating the death of the Pope, said, “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.”
At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025
"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning,… pic.twitter.com/De4pEZkvs9
Adding, “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 88-year-old was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 and remained bedridden for more than a month.
This was goodbye
— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) April 21, 2025
Pope Francis rode through St. Peter's Square on the Popemobile yesterday despite being gravely ill pic.twitter.com/7Qwy7FEUMh
He was initially admitted with bronchitis, which progressed to bilateral pneumonia.
His condition deteriorated, with periods of acute respiratory failure necessitating bronchoscopies to clear mucus buildup and the use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation.
He was discharged from the hospital on March 23, 2025, following a five-week stay.
He made his first public appearance from a hospital window, offering a benediction before being released.
Pope Francis has died.
— AJ+ (@ajplus) April 21, 2025
He dedicated himself to marginalized people – especially refugees – as the world’s politicians fought culture wars.
Here’s how the first Pope from the Global South changed the narrative: pic.twitter.com/aThNX66pJv
On Sunday, he met with US Vice President JD Vance for his first high-profile encounter since being hospitalized.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936, is the head of the Catholic Church since 2013.
The Pope has long suffered from respiratory problems as a result of a lung infection he contracted as a youngster, which required the removal of a portion of one of his lungs.
In recent years, he has had chronic respiratory infections, including bronchitis, which necessitated hospitalisation in 2023.
The Pope also suffers persistent knee difficulties, notably in his right knee, which limits his mobility.
He frequently utilizes a wheelchair or cane due to knee pain, which is believed to be caused by osteoarthritis.
He declined surgery, preferring physiotherapy and pain treatment.
In 2021, he had intestinal surgery to remove a portion of his colon owing to diverticulitis, a disorder that causes inflammation in the colon.
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He was admitted to the hospital again in 2023 for abdominal surgery to repair a hernia.
As the first pontiff from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope, he prioritized social justice, environmental challenges, and church reform.
He is known for his humility and progressive ideas, having fought for migrants, criticized economic inequalities, and worked for wider Church inclusiveness.
His papacy has also faced challenges, including internal resistance to reforms and ongoing debates over Church doctrine on issues like LGBTQ+ rights and celibacy.
VATICAN: Pope Francis Is Dead
