Tragic Loss: Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday in Vatican

Tragic Loss: Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday in Vatican

Pope Francis, the beloved head of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.

He passed away at the age of 88 in his residence at the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City. His death brings to an end a papacy that touched millions across the globe with humility, courage, and a profound sense of service to the poor.

At exactly 9:45 a.m., Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, delivered the heartbreaking news from the Vatican.

“Dearest brothers and sisters,” he announced, “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.”

He praised the late pontiff’s life, describing it as one of total devotion to God, marked by acts of mercy and justice. The Pope’s example, Cardinal Farrell added, should inspire generations to come.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, had long battled respiratory issues. As a young man in 1957, he had part of his right lung removed due to a severe infection. This early operation did not stop his rise through the Church, but it did leave him vulnerable to further complications as he aged.

The Pope’s health took a downward turn in early 2025. On February 14, he was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital after suffering from bronchitis for several days. His condition worsened and, by February 18, doctors confirmed he had bilateral pneumonia — an infection in both lungs.

After spending 38 days in the hospital, he returned to Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery under medical supervision. Despite signs of improvement, his frail health persisted.

He had previously cancelled a scheduled trip to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 because of influenza and lung inflammation. This decision was made to avoid risk, as Vatican doctors had cautioned against air travel in his condition.

Even in his final year, Pope Francis remained active. In April 2024, he approved an updated version of the papal funeral rites. The revised liturgical text, known as the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, guides the Church on how to conduct a papal funeral. It includes a more spiritual focus, and less emphasis on worldly pomp.

According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, Pope Francis requested a simpler funeral. His wishes were clear: no extravagant protocol, no royal treatment. The funeral should be a testimony of faith in the Risen Christ, not a ceremony of power.

“The renewed rite,” Archbishop Ravelli said, “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.”

Instead of confirming death in the Pope’s private room, the new ritual mandates it be declared inside the chapel. Once declared, his body is immediately placed in a coffin and prepared for final rites. This change was symbolic of Pope Francis’ broader mission — to bring humility and transparency to the Church’s most sacred traditions.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as Pope on March 13, 2013, after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He became the first Jesuit Pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years.

From the moment he chose the name “Francis,” after St. Francis of Assisi, it was clear he would lead with a different style — one rooted in simplicity, service, and outreach. He shunned luxurious living, refused the grand Apostolic Palace, and instead made Casa Santa Marta his permanent residence.

Throughout his papacy, he advocated for the poor, the displaced, and the forgotten. He called out injustices in the global economy and urged leaders to act on climate change. He reached out to Muslims, Jews, and atheists alike. His openness bridged divides that had long stood in the Church’s path.

His reforms within the Vatican faced resistance. But he pressed on, restructuring the Curia, fighting financial corruption, and bringing greater accountability. He also pushed for a more inclusive Church, one that did not judge but welcomed. His phrase, “Who am I to judge?” regarding LGBTQ Catholics, echoed around the world.

Pope Francis also made efforts to address sexual abuse within the Church. He apologized to victims, tightened Church laws, and called for accountability from bishops. Critics say more could have been done, but his stance marked a shift from silence to action.

Despite health challenges in his later years, he kept a busy schedule. He traveled to Africa, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. He met refugees, prisoners, and the disabled. Every meeting was a sermon in action.

Easter Monday, a day when Christians celebrate the risen Christ, now carries added weight. The death of a Pope on such a symbolic day is rare. Some believers may see it as a divine message — that the humble servant who lived to mirror Christ’s love has now joined Him in eternal peace.

Funeral plans are being finalized. The Vatican is expected to announce the date for the funeral Mass soon. World leaders, Catholic faithful, and dignitaries from every continent are expected to attend. But the late Pope’s own instructions make one thing clear: it will be a simple ceremony of prayer, not power.

For now, the Church enters a period of mourning. Cardinals from around the world will gather in Rome. They will prepare for a conclave — a secret vote to elect the next Pope.

Pope Francis leaves behind no biological children. But spiritually, he leaves behind over a billion Catholics and countless admirers of his message of mercy.

From the slums of Buenos Aires to the throne of St. Peter, his was a journey marked not by privilege but by purpose. He walked with the broken, spoke with the forgotten, and always preached with his heart.

The world mourns today — not just a Pope, but a man of God who made the Gospel feel close, real, and alive.