Pope Francis Dies at 88 After Easter Appearance

The world is in mourning following the death of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican confirmed that the Holy Father passed away at 07:35 AM on Monday, just one day after addressing thousands during the Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Square.

Despite recent health challenges—including a prolonged hospital stay—the Pope had appeared in relatively good spirits during his Easter address and even briefly met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who paid tribute to him this morning.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was 88 years old. He made history when he was elected pope in 2013, becoming not only the first pontiff from the Americas, but also the first Jesuit pope and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years.

Vatican Announcement

At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, delivered the official announcement from Casa Santa Marta, where the Pope had been living:

“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. 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.”

A Final Chapter Marked by Service

Pope Francis had been battling bronchitis and other respiratory complications for weeks. On February 14, 2025, he was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome. By February 18, doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia, and his condition remained precarious throughout his 38-day hospital stay.

Upon his release, he returned to Casa Santa Marta to recover and continued limited papal duties. His final public appearance—a stirring and symbolic moment—came on Easter Sunday, as he addressed tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, many of whom were unaware it would be his last.

A Legacy of Mercy and Reform

Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis was a beacon of humility, compassion, and inclusion. He emphasized care for the poor, refugees, and the environment, becoming one of the most progressive and outspoken pontiffs in modern Church history. His encyclical Laudato Si’ and calls for reform in the Vatican earned him both praise and opposition.

He is remembered for shunning papal luxuries, opting to live in a modest guesthouse, using a small car, and personally calling individuals in distress. He consistently challenged global leaders to act with justice and mercy, regardless of political boundaries.

Global Tributes Pour In

The Vatican has been flooded with condolences from around the world. King Charles III, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Vice President JD Vance were among the first to release public statements of mourning and respect.

As the Catholic Church begins preparations for mourning rites and the Conclave to elect a new Pope, faithful across the globe unite in prayer and remembrance of a spiritual leader who redefined what it meant to be Pope in the 21st century.

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral details will be released by the Vatican in the coming days. The faithful are already gathering in St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects, and millions are expected to attend or follow the events virtually.

Pope Francis leaves behind a powerful legacy of mercy, inclusion, humility, and unwavering love for the marginalized. The world bids farewell to a man who not only changed the Church—but also the hearts of those far beyond its walls.