When did Pope Francis die?
Rome, April 21, 2025 — Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church and a transformative figure in global religious life, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death in a statement delivered early this morning by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Farrell declared. “At 7:35 a.m. 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.”
When did Pope Francis become a Pope?
The announcement marks the end of a papacy that began in 2013 and was widely defined by humility, reform, and an emphasis on social justice. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis became the first pope from South America and the first Jesuit to hold the office. He was selected to succeed Pope Benedict XVI, who made history by resigning—the first pontiff to do so in over six centuries.
Throughout his papacy, this Pope was known for his inclusive rhetoric and pastoral outreach. His compassion for the poor, refugees, and marginalized earned him the affectionate title of the “People’s Pope.” In one of the most symbolic acts of his tenure, he washed the feet of refugees from various faiths at an asylum center outside Rome in 2016—an expression of humility and unity that resonated globally.
Francis was also noted for his candid remarks on controversial issues. His comment on gay clergy—”If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?”—was unprecedented and marked a significant tonal shift within the Church. Nonetheless, his final year was marked by tension as he reaffirmed the Vatican’s opposition to gender reassignment, surrogacy, abortion, and euthanasia, via the doctrinal text Dignitas Infinita. That same year, reports emerged suggesting he had used a homophobic slur in a private setting, casting a shadow over his otherwise progressive legacy.
A Decline in Health
Pope Francis’s final years were marked by mounting health complications. In February 2025, he was admitted to hospital for bronchitis treatment. Subsequent tests revealed bilateral pneumonia and low platelet levels, prompting blood transfusions. By February 22, the Vatican confirmed he was in critical condition following a prolonged respiratory crisis. A day later, doctors reported early signs of kidney failure.
Despite intensive care and public prayers from thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, his health remained precarious. After a 38-day hospital stay, he briefly reappeared on March 23, smiling and offering a thumbs-up from the balcony of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. He returned to the Vatican that same day, stopping unexpectedly at his favorite basilica en route.
Doctors prescribed two months of rest, and he continued receiving respiratory and physical therapy. While the pneumonia was reportedly treated successfully, Francis required supplemental oxygen and round-the-clock care.
A Life of Service
Francis’s physical challenges were not new. As a young man in Argentina, he had part of his lung removed. In recent years, he frequently relied on a cane or wheelchair and was often forced to cancel public engagements at short notice. His health struggles intensified after surgery in 2021 to remove part of his colon, followed by another abdominal operation in 2023 to address a hernia.
In 2022, he openly hinted at possible resignation should his health deteriorate further—a statement that echoed the decision of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who died in 2022.
Despite his ailments, Francis maintained a schedule that included meeting global leaders and addressing complex issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and the role of women in the Church.
Global Mourning and Legacy
News of his passing has sent ripples through the global Catholic community, which numbers an estimated 1.4 billion faithful. In St. Peter’s Square, mourners are already gathering to pay tribute to a leader who reshaped the modern papacy.
Cardinal Farrell, in his statement, reflected the sorrow and admiration shared by many: “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.”
Plans for funeral rites and succession will be announced by the Vatican in the coming days.
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