The religious leader, the first Latin American pope in the history of the Catholic Church, was 88 years old and battling a persistent respiratory infection.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American Supreme Pontiff and widely beloved by the faithful around the world—but also facing fierce opposition due to his reforms of the Catholic Church—died this Monday (April 21, 2025) at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed. The news was announced by the Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, in a video message.
“With deep sorrow, I must announce that Pope Francis died at 7:35 a.m. (05:35 GMT) today. The Bishop of Rome has returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to serving the Lord and His Church. He taught us the value of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love—especially in defense of the poorest and most marginalized,” said Farrell, who will hold the position temporarily.
He continued:
“With immense gratitude for his example as a disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite and merciful love of the Triune God.”
In the video, recorded in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the Substitute of the Secretariat of State, Venezuelan Edgar Peña Parra, also appeared.
On Friday, February 14, 2025, Francis was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome suffering from bronchitis that caused severe respiratory issues. He was diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, which required intensive medical treatment, raising fears about his condition. He was discharged on March 23.
On Sunday, April 20, still recovering, he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and, in a weak voice, wished a “Happy Easter” to the thousands of faithful gathered there. Later, in a surprise move, he toured St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile to greet people. That would be his final public appearance.
The pope’s death will trigger a series of ceremonial protocols, dictated by tradition and governed by very precise rules. Nine days of funeral rites are expected, followed by a 15- to 20-day period to organize a conclave with approximately 130 cardinal electors to choose a successor. More than two-thirds of them were appointed by Francis.
The first Jesuit and Latin American pope in history tirelessly championed the defense of migrants, the environment, and social justice—without altering the Church’s positions on issues like abortion or priestly celibacy.
