Just a day after making a much hoped-for appearance at Saint Peter’s Square, Pope Francis died on Monday, 21 April, 2025. He was 88,
“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.
“This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church.”
Francis’s death came just a day after he delighted the crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter’s Basilica despite still convalescing after a severe illness.
Francis had come close to dying twice earlier this year while suffering from pneumonia.
He spent 38 days in hospital before he was released on March 23.
On Sunday he wished the crowds on Saint Peter’s Square a “Happy Easter” as he waved and in his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) benediction he called for freedom of thought and tolerance.
He died on Monday April 21 around 7:35 AM
at the age of 88
Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
At 7:35 this morning (local time), 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 values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
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.”
– Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican’s TV channel.
The pontiff, who was also the Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church in the World , became pope in 2013 after his predecessor Benedict XVI resigned.
A conclave to elect his successor would be held in the next 20 days.
Some key facts :
Given Name :Jorge Mario Bergoglio;
Date of Birth : 17 December 1936
Country of Origin: Argentina
Position: – The head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 2013 to 2025.
The first pope from the Society of Jesus (the Jesuit Order).
The first from Latin America , the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere.
Main Legacy: He United the Church after the controversial resignation of Pope Benedict.
He carried out major reforms and spoke out against wars and became a voice for the voiceless and the poor.
