By CBNews Vatican Correspondent
April 21, 2025
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church since 2013 with a focus on mercy, environmental stewardship, and outreach to the marginalized, died today at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. He was 88 years old.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, officially announced the Pope's passing at 9:45 AM local time.
"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Cardinal Farrell stated. "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."
The announcement came after a prolonged period of declining health for the pontiff, who had battled respiratory issues throughout his papacy. Francis had been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia. After 38 days of hospital care, he returned to his Vatican residence to continue his recovery, but his health never fully stabilized.
Health Challenges Throughout His Papacy
Pope Francis' respiratory problems dated back to his youth in Argentina. In 1957, at the age of 21, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery to remove part of a lung affected by a severe respiratory infection. This early health challenge would follow him throughout his life and papacy.
In recent years, the Pope had frequently canceled appearances and modified his schedule due to recurring respiratory illnesses. In November 2023, he was forced to cancel a planned trip to the United Arab Emirates due to influenza and lung inflammation.
A Simplified Funeral
In April 2024, Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the liturgical book governing papal funeral rites, the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, which introduced several changes to the traditional ceremonies.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, noted that Pope Francis had specifically requested that his funeral rites be simplified and focused on expressing the faith of the Church in the Risen Christ.
"The renewed rite 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," Archbishop Ravelli explained.
Under the new protocols, the Pope's body was placed directly into a coffin after the ascertainment of death, which took place in the chapel rather than in the room where he died.
The Vatican is expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming hours. As dictated by tradition, the College of Cardinals will soon enter into conclave to elect Francis' successor.
Legacy of Compassion and Reform
Pope Francis' pontificate was marked by his efforts to reform Church governance, his advocacy for environmental protection as outlined in his encyclical "Laudato Si'," and his persistent calls for greater compassion toward refugees, the poor, and others on society's margins.
Cardinal Farrell reflected on the Pope's legacy in his announcement: "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."
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.