Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, according to an official statement from the Vatican. He passed away peacefully this morning at 7:35am in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, within Vatican City.
Digital TimesNG reports that the announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, at 9:45am.
In a solemn declaration from the Casa Santa Marta, Cardinal Farrell 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.
“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 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.”
World leaders have begun to pay tribute to the late pontiff.
French President Emmanuel Macron described him as “a man of humility,” while Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte praised him as “a role model for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.”
Pope Francis’ death comes just one day after he made a public appearance in St. Peter’s Square to offer Easter greetings to thousands of worshippers, a gesture that now carries deep emotional weight.
Declining Health in Final Months
The Pope had faced recurring health challenges over the years, many stemming from a severe respiratory illness in his youth. In 1957, while in his early twenties, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery in Argentina to remove part of a lung due to a serious infection.
These early complications led to ongoing respiratory issues throughout his life. In November 2023, he was forced to cancel a visit to the United Arab Emirates due to influenza and lung inflammation.
On February 14, 2025, he was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital after experiencing symptoms of bronchitis. His condition worsened, and on February 18, doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia.
After spending 38 days in the hospital, he returned to Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery, but never fully regained his strength.
A Pope’s Final Wishes
In April 2024, Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical book for papal funeral rites.
The revised edition, which he personally endorsed, introduces several changes to the traditional ceremonies, placing emphasis on simplicity and spiritual meaning.
According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the late pontiff had specifically requested that his funeral rites reflect the humility and pastoral heart he tried to embody throughout his papacy.
The new rite includes moving the declaration of death to a chapel rather than the room of passing, and the immediate placement of the Pope’s body into the coffin.
“The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasize 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.”
Details of the funeral Mass are yet to be announced.