Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, according to an official announcement from the Vatican.
The Argentine-born pontiff, who led the Catholic Church as Bishop of Rome since 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, died on Monday morning.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell shared the news in a solemn statement:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. 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.”
Cardinal Farrell continued, praising Pope Francis as a beacon of faith and humility:
“He taught us to live the Gospel values with fidelity, courage, and a boundless love, especially towards the poor and marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend his soul to the infinite mercy of our Triune God.”
The Vatican is now expected to initiate the papal conclave process—an assembly of cardinals tasked with electing a new pope. This typically takes place within 15 to 20 days after a pontiff’s death.
In recent years, Pope Francis’s declining health had become a growing concern. On February 14, he was hospitalized for treatment of bronchitis, which was later revealed to be bilateral pneumonia. His condition deteriorated as doctors also discovered low platelet levels, indicating anaemia.
By February 22, the Vatican confirmed he was in critical condition due to a “prolonged respiratory crisis” requiring high-flow oxygen. The following day, it was revealed he had early-stage kidney failure.
Despite his condition, thousands of faithful gathered at St. Peter’s Square and outside the hospital to pray for his recovery. On March 6, the Pope’s voice was heard in an audio message thanking well-wishers: “I am with you from here.”
He made a brief public appearance on March 23 from the balcony of Gemelli Hospital, smiling and giving a thumbs-up to the crowd. He then returned to the Vatican, stopping briefly at his favorite basilica, before starting two months of medical rest.
Though doctors had successfully treated his pneumonia and continued him on medication and therapy, his condition remained complex. He required supplemental oxygen and round-the-clock care in his final weeks.
Pope Francis’s legacy will be remembered for his emphasis on compassion, humility, and social justice, as well as his efforts to make the Church more inclusive and responsive to modern challenges.
