The 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church has passed away at the age of 88, following a prolonged illness.
At exactly 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced that the Holy father breathed his last at 7:35 AM, on the morning of Easter Monday, at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican.
“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,” Cardinal Farrell read amid heavy silence.
He continued, “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.”
The 88-year-old Pontiff made his last appearance on April 20, at the St. Peter’s Square during the Easter Sunday Celebrations.
Pope Francis was first admitted at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025 after suffering from Bronchitis. Multiple medical tests indicated a worsening health condition, including the diagnosis of double pneumonia.
The Holy Father was discharged 38 days later and returned to the Vatican where he had been continuing with recovery until his demise.
He was elected Pope in March 2013, after then Pope Benedict XVI stepped down.
