Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, on the age of 88, the Vatican introduced. His loss of life occurred at 7:35 a.m. native time at his residence within the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, confirmed the information, stating, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I have to announce the loss of life of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.”
Regardless of latest well being challenges, together with a protracted hospitalization for double pneumonia earlier within the 12 months, Pope Francis remained energetic in his duties. On Easter Sunday, only a day earlier than his passing, he made a shock look at St. Peter’s Sq. to bless the devoted and met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on the Vatican.
All through his papacy, Francis—born Jorge Mario Bergoglio—left an enduring impression on the Catholic Church. He broke custom by appointing ladies as full members of Vatican dicasteries, confirmed higher openness towards the LGBTQ+ neighborhood, and took daring steps on local weather motion. Now, because the world mourns his passing, questions come up about his explanation for loss of life and what comes subsequent for the Church.
Under, be taught extra about Pope Francis’ well being, the circumstances surrounding his loss of life, and what occurs subsequent within the papal succession.
Pope Francis’ Well being Battles
In mid-February 2025, Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome, the place he was initially handled for bronchitis. Nonetheless, docs quickly found a spread of extra severe well being problems, together with a polymicrobial respiratory an infection, bilateral (double) pneumonia, and kidney failure.
On February 23, the Vatican confirmed that blood checks revealed indicators of kidney failure. Regardless of his situation, Francis remained communicative and expressed his gratitude to the general public. “I’ve just lately acquired many messages of affection, and I’ve been significantly struck by the letters and drawings from kids,” he mentioned on X. “Thanks in your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I’ve acquired from everywhere in the world!”
By March 4, 2025, the Vatican reported that Francis was in steady situation after being given oxygen as a result of two episodes of respiratory failure. Officers famous that whereas his situation was steady, it remained “advanced.”
This wasn’t the primary time the late pontiff had struggled with respiratory points. In 2023, he was hospitalized for bronchitis, and since 2022, he had relied on a wheelchair following problems from a knee situation. Earlier in life, Francis had a part of one lung eliminated, which contributed to his ongoing respiratory vulnerabilities.
Regardless of these challenges, Pope Francis remained steadfast in his function and dismissed hypothesis in 2021 that he was planning to resign as a result of his age and well being considerations.
How Did Pope Francis Die?
Whereas the Vatican has not formally specified the precise explanation for loss of life, it’s extensively reported that Pope Francis handed away as a result of problems from his bilateral pneumonia.
What Occurs When the Pope Dies?
When a pope dies, the governance of the Catholic Church briefly shifts to the Camerlengo—at the moment Cardinal Farrell—who oversees the day-to-day operations of the Vatican till a brand new pope is elected. Whereas Farrell doesn’t have the authority to make doctrinal modifications, he manages the Church’s administrative capabilities and prepares for the upcoming papal conclave, the place eligible cardinals will collect to elect the following pope.
