Pope Francis Passes Away at 88: Vatican Mourns the Loss of a Humble Shepherd
Vatican City : The Vatican announced with profound sorrow the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, made the formal announcement from the Casa Santa Marta, where the Pope had resided.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Farrell declared. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was 88 years old. Revered for his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the marginalized, Pope Francis was a shepherd who embodied the Gospel values of mercy, justice, and love. His death marks the end of a historic pontificate defined by pastoral outreach, reform, and dialogue.
Final Days
The Pope had been hospitalized at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome on February 14, 2025, after a period of bronchitis that developed into bilateral pneumonia. After 38 days of treatment, he returned to his Vatican residence to continue recovery. Despite medical care and close monitoring, his health continued to decline.
Pope Francis had long struggled with respiratory issues. In his early twenties, he underwent surgery in Argentina to remove part of a lung due to a severe infection. In recent years, he experienced several health setbacks, including the cancellation of an official trip to the United Arab Emirates in 2023 due to lung inflammation.
Funeral Arrangements
Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, announced that the late Pope’s body may be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, where the faithful will be able to pay their final respects.
Further details will be announced following the first General Congregation of Cardinals.
Pope Francis had previously approved a revised version of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical text governing papal funerals. This updated rite, approved in April 2024, simplifies the ceremony and reflects the late Pope’s wishes for a humble farewell focused on faith in Christ’s resurrection. As per the new directives, the verification of death will occur in the chapel, and the body is to be immediately placed into the coffin.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, said, “The renewed rite seeks to emphasize that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ, not of a worldly figure.”
A Legacy of Mercy
Elected in 2013 as the first Pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit Pope, Francis redefined the role of the papacy with his focus on simplicity, social justice, environmental protection, and global outreach. His pontificate was marked by a constant call for peace, unity, and care for the poor.
As the Church prepares to bid farewell, Pope Francis will be remembered not only as a spiritual leader but as a symbol of compassion and humility in an often divided world.
Requiescat in pace, Papa Francesco.
Follow us on Twitter, Google News, and Instagram and like us on Facebook for the latest updates and exciting stories.
