Pope Francis Dies at 88, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Compassion and Service

Pope Francis Dies at 88, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Compassion and Service

Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by the Vatican. The pontiff died at his residence in Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City on Easter Monday.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the news on Monday morning, stating that the Pope died at precisely 7:35 AM. This tragic event occurred just hours after he interacted with Catholic faithful during Easter mass at the Vatican the day before.

In his announcement, Cardinal Farrell expressed profound sorrow, saying, “Dearest brothers and sisters, 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 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.”

Pope Francis had recently been recovering after a stay at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital. He returned to the Casa Santa Marta on March 25, 2025, following 38 days in the hospital due to a case of bronchitis that evolved into bilateral pneumonia.

In his early 20s, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery in Argentina to remove part of his lung impacted by a severe respiratory infection. As he aged, the Pope experienced recurrent respiratory issues, including canceling a scheduled visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.

Just months prior, in April 2024, Pope Francis had approved a revised edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will dictate the structure of the upcoming funeral Mass. The new edition, known as the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, includes updated protocols for handling the papal remains posthumously.

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, noted that the late Pope had requested a simplification of the funeral rites, emphasizing the Church’s faith in the Risen Body of Christ. “The renewed rite,” remarked Archbishop Ravelli, “aims to underscore that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ, not of a worldly authority.”