Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, died on Monday, April 21, 2025 at the age of 88 at his residence in Casa Santa Marta at the Vatican.
The news was officially announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camarlengo of the Holy See, who highlighted the pontiff’s life as a constant dedication to the service of the Church and the most needy.
The announcement: Pope Francis dies
🔴 This was announced by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrel, the Camerlengo, that Pope Francis died on Monday at 7:35 a.m. (5:35 GMT) at his residence in Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/8uyznXFf1L
– Catholic Way (@escucharlavoz) April 21, 2025
The death of Pope Francis was announced at 7:47 GMT on April 21, 2025 by Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house.
“His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Last public appearance of Pope Francis
🇻🇦 | The last public appearance of Pope Francis took place yesterday, during the ‘urbi et orbi’ on Easter Sunday, hours after he died. pic.twitter.com/UDJ6gYnLbN
– World Alert (@AlertaMundoNews) April 21, 2025
After weeks of recovery from a severe respiratory infection, Pope Francis reappeared publicly this Easter Sunday (April 20), during the emblematic Urbi et Orbi blessing from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Although he did not celebrate Mass – presided over by Cardinal Angelo Comastri – the pontiff greeted the faithful from his wheelchair and toured the square in a popemobile, offering gestures of closeness and hope to more than 50,000 people gathered at the Vatican. This moving appearance would be the last of his pontificate.
A pontificate marked by closeness and compassion
Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope in the history of the Catholic Church, was elected on March 13, 2013 following the resignation of Benedict XVI.
During his pontificate, he was characterized by his humility, closeness to the faithful and a firm commitment to social justice.
He advocated for a more inclusive and merciful Church, promoting significant reforms in the Roman Curia and decisively confronting cases of sexual abuse within the institution.
Francis’ legacy transcends the borders of the Vatican.
He was a tireless advocate for the poor, migrants and marginalized, and did not hesitate to criticize the inequalities of the global economic system and the effects of climate change.
His spiritual and moral leadership left an indelible mark on millions of people around the world.
Health problems and spiritual legacy
In his last months, the pope’s health deteriorated due to bilateral pneumonia, aggravating previous respiratory problems.
Despite receiving intensive medical care, his condition worsened.
Francis will be remembered as a compassionate, firm and approachable spiritual leader who sought to reconcile the Church with the contemporary world, without renouncing his identity or the principles of the Christian faith.
Pope Francis dies: The “sede vacante” remains vacant
With his departure, the period of “sede vacante” begins, during which a conclave will be convened to elect his successor.
In the meantime, Cardinal Farrell will temporarily assume the administrative functions of the Vatican, in accordance with the protocol established for these cases.
Pope Francis will be remembered as a spiritual leader who sought to bring the Church closer to the reality of the faithful, promoting a faith lived with authenticity, compassion and commitment to the challenges of the contemporary world.
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