His passing occurred at his residence in Casa Santa Marta. The news stunned Catholics and non-Catholics alike, marking the end of a papacy defined by humility, reform, and compassion.
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. Vatican News shared an image in memoriam, featuring a serene portrait of the late Pope with the inscription, “Pope Francis, 1936–2025.”
The caption simply read, “Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.”
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness 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,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican’s TV channel.
Farrell was scheduled to preside over a rite at 8 p.m. on Monday when the pope’s body was to be placed into a casket, a formality ahead of a funeral that had to be confirmed at the time of writing.
“Rest in peace,” one netizen shared in light of the harrowing news. Another added, “RIP Pope Francis. Christians and the Church has lost a very great and symbolic figure. May God’s blessings and power be with his family and the church at large,” while a third typed, “On Easter Monday of the faith. Monday of the angel.”
Pope Francis was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from leaders around the world, many recognizing his attempts to reform a church plagued by internal scandals and bureaucratic infighting.
Pope Francis meeting Italian actor and director Roberto Benigni at Paul VI Hall in Vatican City, on December 7, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
When he was elected in 2013, Pope Francis inherited an institution in turmoil, still reeling from global abuse crises and divisions within the Vatican’ s leadership. He was tasked with restoring order and credibility.
Throughout his time as pope, he often found himself at odds with both ends of the ideological spectrum. Conservatives accused him of discarding cherished traditions, while progressives believed he failed to go far enough in transforming the Church’s doctrines and policies.
Pope Francis greeting soccer player Dani Alves during the launch of the Scholas Occurrentes International Movement at the Pontifical Urban University in Vatican City, on May 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Yet despite the backlash, the Pope remained one of the most globally recognized and admired religious figures, drawing enormous crowds during his international visits.
His commitment to issues such as interfaith cooperation, global peace, and the plight of migrants helped define his legacy. Though his efforts were not without controversy, Pope Francis ultimately reshaped the tone and priorities of the modern papacy — leaving behind a church forever altered by his vision.
Pope Francis blessing a baby during his weekly audience at the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City, on February 12, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
The late Pope’s health had been a source of growing concern in recent months. As we previously reported, Pope Francis made a brief yet emotional appearance on the Gemelli hospital balcony before his discharge on Sunday, March 23.
He was smiling and waving to well-wishers who had gathered to see him. Photos and videos of him circulated online, prompting a flurry of reactions from concerned fans.
A fan comments on Pope Francis’ appearance after his hospital admission, from a post dated March 23, 2025 | Source: Instagram/skynews
A wheelchair carried Pope Francis to the balcony, and under his white cassock, bandages were visible on both arms. Despite his frail condition, the 88-year-old pontiff greeted the crowd, his voice noticeably weak.
Among the well-wishers was 79-year-old Carmela Vittoria Mancuso, who had visited the hospital daily during the pope’s treatment. Holding a bouquet of yellow flowers, she was visibly moved when Pope Francis acknowledged her, later sharing that her heart “was bursting” at the moment.
Pope Francis appears on his balcony to speak to the crowds at the Gemelli hospital in Rome, Italy, on March 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
After greeting the crowd from the balcony, the pontiff left Rome’s Gemelli hospital around noon on Sunday. His car, escorted by police, made a brief stop at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, where he left flowers as a gesture of devotion.
Pope Francis leaves the Gemelli hospital, the first time he has appeared in public since being admitted to hospital in Rome, Italy, on March 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Pope Francis had been admitted for five weeks whilst battling double pneumonia and other complications. This is the most serious health crisis he has faced in his 12-year papacy.
Pope Francis greets and blesses the faithful from a balcony of the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, on March 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
His first public appearance since February 14 sparked a wave of online reactions as fans commented on his changed appearance. Some struggled to recognize him, with one asking, “It is him?” and another person remarking, “He looks very different.”
Pope Francis greets and blesses the faithful from a balcony of the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, on March 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Other people insisted, “That is not the same person” with more concurring, “That’s not him.” His well-being also sparked worry, with one person commenting, “Looks exhausted,” while another netizen sympathized, “Poor man. He’s so frail.” Many individuals simply wished him well, with one pleading, “Omg…let him rest!”
A man prays below the sculpture of St. John Paul II at the main entrance of the Policlinico A. Gemelli Hospital where Pope Francis is being cared for in Rome, Italy, on March 13, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Though the pope is back at the Vatican, his doctors have advised that his recovery will take time. They have recommended two months of rest and cautioned against large or strenuous gatherings. With his schedule uncertain, it remains to be seen how much activity Pope Francis will resume in the coming months.
Pope Francis greets and blesses the faithful from a balcony of the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, on March 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
While he was breathing on his own during his recent appearance, he used a small oxygen hose under his nose while traveling in his car. Furthermore, his health condition had been so serious that he had been receiving oxygen to help him breathe throughout his hospital stay./By
