Breaking News: Pope Francis Passes Away on Easter Monday at Age 88

Pope Francis died peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, in his residence at the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.

At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, made the solemn announcement from the Casa Santa Marta:

“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. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of 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.”

Later that day, Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, confirmed that the Pope’s body may be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, to allow the faithful to pay their final respects.

“The translation of the Holy Father’s mortal remains to the Vatican Basilica, for the veneration of all the faithful, may take place on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, according to the arrangements that shall be determined and communicated tomorrow, following the first Congregation of the Cardinals,” said Bruni.

Pope Francis had been battling respiratory health issues for many years. On February 14, 2025, he was admitted to Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital with bronchitis, which progressed to bilateral pneumonia by February 18. After 38 days of treatment, he returned to Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery, but his condition later deteriorated.

The Pope’s respiratory struggles date back to 1957, when he underwent lung surgery as a young man in Argentina. In his later years, he continued to face recurring respiratory infections, including the cancellation of a planned visit to the UAE in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.

In April 2024, Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the papal funeral rites, the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, which outlines the procedures for handling the Pope’s body and emphasizes the pastoral, rather than political, nature of the Pope’s role. According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the Pope had personally requested a simple, faith-centered funeral.

“The renewed rite,” said 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.”

Pope Francis leaves behind a powerful legacy of mercy, humility, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel, especially to the poor and marginalized. His passing marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church.

source: ghmediahub.com