Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88 in the early hours of today, at 7:35 a.m.
The Vatican confirmed the heartbreaking news in a video statement from Santa Marta delivered by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness that 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 His Church. He taught us to live 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 infinitely merciful love of the One and Triune God,” He read.
According to the Vatican News, the Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14, 2025, after suffering from bronchitis for several days. He was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia on February 18, 2025. He later returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta after spending 38 days in the hospital.
The news of his passing has sent waves of grief across the globe, with world leaders commiserating with the Catholic Church.
The news comes shortly after he made a public appearance in St. Peter’s Square, blessing thousands of faithful during the Easter Sunday celebrations.
Tributes have poured in from global leaders. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said,
“I just learned about the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians around the world who loved him.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also paid tribute to the Pope, praising his compassion and commitment to the vulnerable.
“In this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for others, for the most fragile,” Macron stated.
According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the late Pope requested a solemn burial focused on expressing the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ.
Pope Francis was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as pontiff for 12 years after succeeding Pope Benedict XVI.