Pope Francis Dies at 88: Vatican Announces with Deep Sorrow
At exactly 9:45 AM on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the passing of Pope Francis. Speaking from the Casa Santa Marta, he said:
“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… We commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
A Long Battle with Illness
Pope Francis had been battling health challenges for years. On Friday, February 14, 2025, he was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital. He had been suffering from bronchitis for several days.
His condition worsened, and by Tuesday, February 18, doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia. After spending 38 days in hospital, he returned to his residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.
A History of Respiratory Challenges
This was not the first time Pope Francis had faced serious respiratory issues. In 1957, while still in his 20s, he underwent surgery in Argentina to remove part of a lung due to a severe infection.
In recent years, his health remained fragile. In November 2023, he cancelled a planned trip to the United Arab Emirates due to flu and lung inflammation.
A Pope Who Prepared for the End
In April 2024, Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical book used for papal funerals. This updated version outlines how the Pope’s remains are to be handled and honored.
Notably, the new rite states that the death is officially declared in the chapel—not in the room of death—and the body is immediately placed in the coffin.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, shared that Pope Francis had requested a simple funeral. His wish was that the rites reflect the faith of the Church in the Risen Christ, rather than 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.”
