Information gathered has it that Pope Francis has died.
He passed away on Monday morning, April 21, 2025. The news of his death was confirmed in a statement released by the Vatican. Pope Francis was 88 years old.
Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced that the Pope died at around 7:35 am. Read the full statement below.
“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 home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Farrell said in the announcement.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for 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 God, One and Tribune.″
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after experiencing persistent symptoms of bronchitis.
Medical reports revealed that his condition gradually deteriorated. By Tuesday, February 18, his doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia, a serious lung infection affecting both lungs. His condition required an extended hospital stay.
Pope Francis’ health issues were not new. As a young man in Argentina in 1957, he had undergone surgery to remove part of his lung due to a severe infection. Despite that, he continued a life of service, rising through the ranks of the Catholic Church with unwavering dedication.
After 38 days under medical care, the Pope was discharged and returned to his Vatican residence at Casa Santa Marta. There, he resumed recovery surrounded by close aides and spiritual advisors. However, complications worsened, ultimately leading to his demise.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, confirmed that Pope Francis had previously requested a simplified funeral rite. His wish was for a ceremony centered on the resurrection of Christ rather than grandeur or worldly power.
“The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasise 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.” True to form, Pope Francis remained a man of humility and deep faith until the end.
Born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jorge Mario Bergoglio held a diploma in chemical technology before joining the Jesuit novitiate in 1958. He was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1969 and rose to become the superior of the Jesuit province of Argentina by 1973.
Pope John Paul II appointed him as an auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992. By 1998, he had become the archbishop, and in 2001, he was elevated to the College of Cardinals.
On March 13, 2013, Pope Francis was elected pope, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, who made history by resigning. Pope Francis became the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas. He was known for his progressive views on social justice, climate change, and interfaith dialogue.
As the world mourns his passing, tributes have poured in from religious leaders, heads of state, and faithful followers. Pope Francis will be remembered not just as a pontiff, but as a compassionate leader who reshaped the papacy with humility, grace, and a heart for the poor.
