Pope Francis dies on Easter Monday after long illness

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Pope Francis died this morning at the age of 88, passing away at 7:35 at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City

Death announced at Vatican residence

According to Vatican News, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, formally announced the Pope’s death at 9:45 AM. He said:

“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 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.”

Ongoing health struggles

The Pope had been struggling with respiratory illness for some time. Doctors admitted him to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on 14 February after he experienced persistent bronchitis.

By 18 February, his condition had worsened, and doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia.

After spending 38 days in hospital, he returned to Casa Santa Marta in March to continue his recovery. However, his health continued to decline.

A life marked by illness and resilience

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, had a long history of respiratory issues.

In 1957, in his early twenties, he underwent surgery to remove part of a lung due to a serious infection.

In later years, he suffered frequent respiratory complications, including a cancelled trip to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.

New funeral rites to reflect humility

In April 2024, Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical book that outlines the funeral rites for a pope.

The updated version will guide the funeral Mass, though they have not yet announced the date.

The new edition introduces several changes, including the handling of the Pope’s body after death.

Instead of staying in the room where death occurred, they now take the body to the chapel, where they formally confirm death and immediately place the body in the coffin.

A simplified farewell

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, noted that Pope Francis had requested simpler funeral rites.

The revised ritual, he said, reflects the late Pope’s desire to focus on the Church’s faith in the resurrection, rather than on worldly power.

Archbishop Ravelli said, “The renewed rite seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”