Vatican City [Vatican], April 21: In a deeply somber moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, the 266th Pontiff of the Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at his residence in Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.
The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who, at 9:45 AM local time, declared:
“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… 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 news comes just one day after Pope Francis delivered his final Easter message from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he offered the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing — a special apostolic blessing granted only by the Pope — to the city of Rome and the world. Despite recently being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after a five-week battle with an infection that led to double pneumonia, Pope Francis appeared publicly and spoke of resurrection, hope, and global peace.
His final Easter message included powerful calls for global disarmament, release of prisoners, and prayers for peace across the world — consistent with his papacy’s strong social justice orientation.
A Papacy of Firsts and Faith
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first Jesuit Pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European Pope since the 8th century. He was ordained in 1969 and served with distinction throughout Latin America before being elected Pope on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
He chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, embodying humility, care for the poor, and commitment to peace — values that marked his entire papacy.
Mourning and the Path Forward
A fourteen-day official mourning period has now been declared in the Vatican. Following this, the College of Cardinals will enter conclave to elect the next Vicar of Christ.
As the world mourns the passing of a Pontiff who tirelessly championed compassion, inclusion, environmental care, and the voices of the marginalized, tributes continue to pour in from religious and political leaders across the globe.
Pope Francis’ legacy will endure as one that redefined papal leadership for the modern era, focusing on mercy, humility, and a church that walks with the people.