New Delhi: Pope Francis, the Supreme of the Catholic Church, died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta during Easter Sunday.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced it at 9:45 AM. Cardinal Farrell said in his message, “It is with profound sadness that I announce that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has died.” Today at 7:35 am, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, came home to the house of his Father. He devoted his whole life to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and love for all, but particularly the poor and marginalised. We thank God for his example as a true disciple of Jesus Christ. We entrust his soul to the infinite merciful love of the Triune God.”
Pope Francis was hospitalised on Feb. 14, 2025, after developing bronchitis that he had struggled with since February 2025, as well. As his condition worsened, he developed bilateral pneumonia and was admitted to the hospital on 18 February. Pope Francis returned to his Vatican residence at Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery after 38 days in the hospital.
Medical History and Health Issues
Pope Francis — aka Jorge Mario Bergoglio — had part of his lung removed in the late 1950s in Argentina when he suffered from a serious respiratory infection. Pope Francis also experienced repeated respiratory problems over the course of the years. He had to call off a scheduled visit to the UAE in November 2023 due to flu and lung inflammation.
Funeral Rites Approved by Pope Francis
Pope Francis approved a revised version of the liturgical book that provides directives for papal funeral Masses in April 2024. This updated edition included a section on the disposition of the pope’s corpse after death.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, said that “in the past, the Pope expressed a desire for more simplicity, in favour of a funeral rite more able to express the Church’s faith in the Risen Body of Christ. In this case, it “highlights the fact that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ, not the funeral of a man of power according to the standards of this world,” he said.
Pope Francis’ legacy
Passionate worldwide servant of God and humankind, with a special emphasis on social justice, mercy, and equity; Pope Francis. His demise has left a hollow hole in the Catholic world and across the globe. That legacy will remain that of Pope Francis reaching out to parts of the world that society has left behind. He will stand up against inequality and wealth in the church, and living a humble life.