Vatican City — Pope Francis, the 266th Bishop of Rome,
passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The announcement was
made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, from the
Casa Santa Marta at 9:45 AM.
With profound sorrow, Cardinal Farrell stated:
"Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sadness
that I announce the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. At 7:35 this
morning, the Bishop of Rome returned to the house of the Father. His life was a
testament to unwavering service to the Lord and His Church. He embodied the
Gospel through courage, fidelity, and boundless love—especially for the poor
and marginalized. With immense gratitude for his witness as a true disciple of
Christ, we entrust his soul to the infinite mercy of God."
Arrangements for the Faithful to Pay Respects
Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office,
confirmed that the late pontiff’s body is expected to be transferred to St.
Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, allowing the faithful to venerate his
remains.
"The transfer of the Holy Father’s body to the Vatican
Basilica will take place Wednesday morning, following the Cardinals’ first
Congregation, where further details will be finalized," Bruni stated.
Death Certification and Funeral Preparations
The official certification of death occurred at 8:00 PM on
Monday in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, where Pope Francis resided. The rite,
presided over by Cardinal Farrell, lasted nearly an hour. Following tradition,
the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace and Casa Santa Marta were sealed.
Bruni noted that the Pope’s closest aides have already begun
paying their respects. The College of Cardinals will convene on Tuesday to
discuss funeral arrangements, including the date of the Mass.
Declining Health and Final Days
Pope Francis had been battling respiratory issues for years,
stemming from a partial lung removal in 1957 due to a severe infection. His
health deteriorated in recent months:
• February
14, 2025: Hospitalized at Gemelli Polyclinic for bronchitis.
• February
18: Diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.
• After 38
days in the hospital, he returned to the Vatican but never fully recovered.
His condition had previously forced him to cancel a 2023
trip to the UAE due to influenza and lung inflammation.
Simplified Funeral Rites
In April 2024, Pope Francis approved revisions to the
liturgical rites for papal funerals, emphasizing simplicity and faith over
grandeur.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies,
explained:
"The updated rites reflect the Pope’s wish that his
funeral be a humble celebration of faith—honoring a pastor and disciple of
Christ, not a worldly leader."
Key changes include:
• The death
certification taking place in a chapel, not the death chamber.
• Immediate
placement of the body in the coffin.
A Legacy of Compassion and Reform
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, will
be remembered for his progressive vision, advocacy for the poor, and efforts to
modernize the Church. His passing marks the end of a transformative papacy that
resonated far beyond the Catholic world.
Further details on the funeral Mass and conclave for his
successor will be announced in the coming days.