Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, 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 need 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.”
Simply weeks earlier than his passing, Pope Francis had been hospitalized in Rome for bronchitis. Though he was discharged on March 23, considerations about his well being persevered. Regardless of seen indicators of sickness, he resumed restricted duties and made a shock look on Easter Sunday to bless the devoted in St. Peter’s Sq.. That very same day, he additionally met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on the Vatican.
Be taught extra concerning the late pontiff, together with his age on the time of loss of life, his well being historical past, and what comes subsequent for the Catholic Church, under.
How Outdated Was Pope Francis?
Pope Francis was born on December 17, 1936, and was 88 years outdated on the time of his passing.
How Lengthy Has Pope Francis Been the Pope?
Pope Francis served as the pinnacle of the Catholic Church for simply over 12 years. He was elected on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, and remained within the position till his loss of life.
What Occurs When the Pope Dies?
When a pope dies, the governance of the Catholic Church quickly shifts to the Camerlengo—at present 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 subsequent pope.
Pope Francis’ Well being
Pope Francis confronted a number of well being challenges throughout his later years, which frequently sparked hypothesis that he may resign — rumors he constantly denied. In 2021, he underwent intestinal surgical procedure to deal with diverticulitis, a situation that causes irritation within the colon. The process concerned eradicating a part of his colon. Regardless of widespread stories that he was contemplating stepping down, Francis instructed Spanish radio community COPE that the concept “didn’t even cross [his] thoughts.”
Well being considerations continued in 2022 when a persistent knee situation restricted his mobility and made it troublesome to hold out some papal duties. In consequence, he started utilizing a wheelchair and cane.
In 2023, Francis was hospitalized for bronchitis however recovered in time to preside over the Easter Vigil Mass simply days later. His 2025 hospitalization marked the second time he required medical therapy for bronchitis. That yr, his situation worsened, ultimately resulting in problems together with pneumonia and kidney failure.
In response to CNN, Francis had battled lung points all through his life. The Argentinian pontiff survived a severe case of pneumonia in his youth and had a part of one lung eliminated, a situation that continued to have an effect on his well being in later years.
