By Sunday Apah
The Vatican has confirmed the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, located within Vatican City.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the Pope’s death during a statement from Casa Santa Marta on Monday morning. He reported that the pontiff passed away at 7:35 AM.
This tragic news comes just hours after Pope Francis had greeted the Catholic faithful at the Vatican during the Easter mass on Sunday.
In his announcement, Cardinal Farrell expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Dear brothers and sisters, with a heavy heart, I must share the news of our Holy Father Francis’s passing. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
He continued, “His entire life was devoted to serving the Lord and His Church. He taught us to embody the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, particularly for the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend Pope Francis’s soul to the boundless merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
It is important to note that the Pope had been recovering after being discharged from Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital. Following a 38-day hospitalization, he returned to Casa Santa Marta to continue his recuperation.
Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14, 2025, after experiencing bronchitis for several days. His health condition progressively deteriorated, leading to a diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia on February 18.
In 1957, at the age of 21, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent lung surgery in his native Argentina due to complications from a severe respiratory infection. Throughout his life, Pope Francis faced recurring respiratory issues, including a canceled trip to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.
In April 2024, Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide his upcoming funeral Mass, details of which have yet to be announced.
The newly revised Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis includes updated procedures for handling the Pope’s mortal remains after death, stating that the determination of death will occur in the chapel rather than the room where he passed away, with his body placed immediately in the coffin.
According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the late Pope had requested that the funeral rites be simplified to reflect the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ.
- “The renewed rite,” Archbishop Ravelli noted, “aims to emphasize that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is one for a pastor and disciple of Christ, rather than a powerful figure in this world.”
