Pope Francis died at 88, leaving behind a legacy that changed the Catholic Church forever. His passing came at 7:35 AM on April 21, 2025, just a day after he gave his final Easter Sunday blessing to thousands who gathered at St. Peter’s Square.
The Vatican confirmed his death following a 38-day battle with double pneumonia – his longest health struggle during his time as pope. Francis made history as the first Latin American pope and the first leader from outside Europe in more than a thousand years when he took charge on March 13, 2013, after Pope Benedict XVI stepped down unexpectedly. His leadership touched millions through his steadfast dedication to the poor and his message of universal love and compassion. The world’s 1.3 billion Catholics knew him as their approachable spiritual guide. His famous words “Who am I to judge?” about LGBTQ+ individuals showed his vision of building a more welcoming Church.
Vatican Confirms Pope Francis’ Death at 88
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Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo, announced Pope Francis’s passing with a trembling voice at the Vatican Press Office. Catholics worldwide had feared this moment for weeks.
Official statement from Cardinal Farrell
“With profound sorrow, the Holy See announces that Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, has returned to the House of the Father,” Cardinal Farrell stated, reading from an official parchment document bearing the papal seal. “The Holy Father passed peacefully in his sleep after receiving the sacraments of the Church.”
The Camerlengo confirmed he had performed the ancient ritual of calling the Pope’s baptismal name three times before declaring the See of Rome vacant. On top of that, he shared the Holy Father’s final words to his personal physician the night before: “I am ready to meet my Lord with a peaceful heart.”
The Pope’s final wishes about his funeral arrangements called for simplicity and followed modified protocols he approved in 2023. Cardinal Farrell mentioned that the Pope had completed his spiritual testament weeks ago, which Vatican protocols will make public soon.
“While our hearts are heavy with grief, we celebrate the extraordinary life and ministry of Pope Francis, who served the Church with humility, courage, and steadfast faith,” Cardinal Farrell said, tears welling in his eyes. “We ask the faithful worldwide to join in prayer for the eternal rest of our beloved Holy Father.”
Time and place of death
The Vatican’s medical report revealed Pope Francis died at 7:35 AM Central European Summer Time on April 21, 2025. The Pope spent his final moments in his modest apartment at the Casa Santa Marta residence. He had chosen this Vatican guesthouse over the traditional Apostolic Palace throughout his papacy, reflecting his simple lifestyle.
Dr. Massimo Antonelli, who leads Vatican health services, said the Pope received constant medical care after leaving Gemelli Hospital three days earlier. “His Holiness suffered sudden respiratory failure early morning, though he had shown improvement recently,” Dr. Antonelli explained. “The Holy Father’s condition worsened faster despite immediate medical help.”
Bilateral pneumonia complications caused the Pope’s death, made worse by his lifelong respiratory issues from partial right lung removal during his youth in Argentina. Dr. Antonelli noted that the Pope stayed conscious and clear-minded until the evening before his death.
Following tradition, Cardinal Farrell sealed the Pope’s apartment and personal study after pronouncing his death. The Holy Father’s body will move to St. Peter’s Basilica after preparatory rites.
Initial public and media response
The news spread faster than ever across global media, sparking immediate grief both online and in St. Peter’s Square. Hundreds gathered as soon as they heard the announcement. Vatican security managed growing crowds as thousands more arrived with flowers, candles, and the Pope’s pictures.
News networks worldwide cut regular programs to cover the story. Reporters rushed to Vatican City from everywhere. Social media lit up with pope francis death news, as #PopeFrancisRIP became a global trend within minutes.
The Vatican’s social media posted a simple black-and-white image showing the Pope’s birth and death dates. People shared this image millions of times within hours. The Vatican’s website crashed as countless visitors sought official details about the pope francis death date.
Italian authorities predict three million pilgrims will come to Rome to pay their respects. Emergency services have activated plans they developed after previous papal funerals to handle the predicted crowds.
Diplomatic representatives have started signing the official condolence book at Vatican City. Staff members wiped away tears while continuing their work in the solemn atmosphere. Church bells rang throughout Rome in mourning, joined by churches across Italy and beyond to honor the departed Holy Father.
Doctors Diagnose Pneumonia Weeks Before Death
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Pope Francis’s health took a sharp downturn several weeks before his death. He battled a respiratory infection that ended up becoming a life-threatening case of double pneumonia. His stay at the hospital became the most serious health crisis during his time as pope and marked the start of his final days.
Timeline of hospitalization
The Pope’s health crisis started on February 14, 2025. Doctors at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital admitted him with bronchitis and a slight fever. His original diagnosis showed a respiratory tract infection, but his condition got worse faster over the next few days:
- February 17: Medical tests showed a mix of bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens affecting his respiratory tract
- February 18: X-rays revealed pneumonia in both lungs, so doctors started cortisone and antibiotic treatments
- February 22: The Pope faced a severe breathing crisis that needed high-pressure oxygen through nasal tubes. He also needed two blood transfusions because of anemia
- February 23: His kidneys started failing as a complication
- February 28: A coughing fit caused him to inhale vomit, which meant he needed breathing support from a machine
- March 3: Doctors had to perform emergency procedures twice to clear mucus from his airways after severe breathing attacks
- March 10: His medical team said he was no longer at risk of dying
- March 22: The doctors cleared him to leave but prescribed two months of rest
- March 23: Francis left the hospital after 38 days – his longest stay as pope – to recover at his Vatican home
Vatican officials later confirmed the Pope “came close to dying twice” during his five-week hospital stay.
Details of medical condition
The Pope’s double pneumonia was especially severe because it affected both lungs. Vatican medical officials explained, “Double pneumonia is a lung infection that affects both the lungs, inflaming the air sacs in the lungs, or alveoli, which fill with fluid or pus”. This made it hard for him to breathe and get enough oxygen.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who led the Pope’s medical team, confirmed that different types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi caused the infection. The Pope needed several treatments at once, including cortisone, antibiotics, and medicines to fight fungal infections.
The doctors used machine-assisted breathing and high-flow oxygen therapy to keep him stable during two critical episodes. They also had to insert a camera-tipped tube multiple times to remove mucus that blocked his airways.
His treatments led to diabetes as a side effect, and his kidneys temporarily stopped working properly but improved with care. Dr. Alfieri noted that Francis stayed “alert, oriented and collaborative” through all procedures.
Previous lung surgery and respiratory issues
The Pope’s struggle with breathing problems started early in life. Back in 1957, when he was 21 and still known as Jorge Bergoglio, doctors removed part of his lung after a severe respiratory infection in Argentina. This surgery left him more likely to get breathing problems throughout his life.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops noted, “This has made the pope more susceptible to colds and respiratory illnesses”. His time as pope saw many breathing issues. He spent three days in the hospital with pneumonia in March 2023. Later that year, lung inflammation forced him to cancel his trip to the COP28 climate meeting in Dubai.
When he left the hospital on March 23, doctors told him to rest for two months and use extra oxygen through a nasal tube when needed. They also suggested he avoid meeting large groups while recovering. His breathing problems continued and played a part in his death just weeks after leaving the hospital.
Pope Francis Makes Final Public Appearances
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“At his last public appearance, Pope Francis repeated what had become a slogan in his pontificate of peace.” — Vatican News, Official Vatican news service
Pope Francis made several touching public appearances after leaving the hospital. His weakened state didn’t stop him from connecting with people right up to his last moments on Easter Sunday—just hours before his death.
Easter Sunday blessing and meeting with VP Vance
Tens of thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday morning, April 20. The 88-year-old pontiff emerged on the basilica’s balcony. Though frail, he managed to offer a brief blessing: “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” His weak, raspy voice reminded everyone of his recent struggle with life-threatening pneumonia. The Pope sat quietly as an aide read the rest of his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing.
That same morning, Francis met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Domus Santa Marta. The Vatican said this brief encounter lasted “a few minutes” and gave them a chance to exchange Easter greetings. Francis and Vance talked about their steadfast dedication to protect religious freedom and freedom of conscience. They also discussed international conflicts with special focus on migrants, refugees and prisoners. Vance’s motorcade stayed at the Vatican for just 17 minutes.
This meeting happened during a tense period between the Vatican and the Trump administration over immigration policies. The Pope had criticized the administration’s deportation plans from his hospital bed weeks earlier. All the same, Vance thanked the pontiff for the invitation, which ended up being Francis’s final meeting with a world leader.
Visit to prison and St. Peter’s Basilica
The Pope visited Rome’s Regina Coeli prison on Holy Thursday, three days before Easter. This visit continued a tradition he had kept throughout his time as pope. Despite poor health, he spent about 30 minutes with 70 inmates at the facility.
“I like to do every year in prison what Jesus did on Holy Thursday, the washing of the feet,” he told them. “This year I can’t do it, but I can and I want to be close to you. I pray for you and your families”. Inmates welcomed him with warm applause and shouts of “Grazie, Padre!”. The Pope blessed each prisoner personally, gave out rosaries and pocket-sized Gospels, and led them in prayer.
A journalist asked about his health as he left the prison. Francis joked, “Seated!” Asked how he would celebrate Easter given his condition, he simply said, “As best I can!”
Francis made a short visit to St. Peter’s Basilica the night before Easter. He prayed and handed out sweets to children. Cardinals handled most liturgical duties during Holy Week, though the Pope tried to be present when possible.
Public reaction to his frail condition
The crowd erupted in cheers as Francis’s wheelchair appeared on the balcony Easter Sunday. Many called out, “Viva il papa!” (Long live the pope!). After the blessing, he rode through St. Peter’s Square in his popemobile for the first time since his hospital stay.
Francis stopped several times during this final public trip to bless babies and children brought by their parents. His personal touch moved many people deeply, despite his obvious physical struggles. Sister Luisa Jimènez from Francis’s native Argentina called it “an important emotional experience.” Others worried about his breathing difficulties.
One of his last philosophical thoughts came outside the prison. Asked how he felt entering such facilities, Francis said: “Every time I enter these doors, I ask myself: ‘Why them and not me?'”—showing his lifelong humility and connection with those on society’s margins.
Pope Francis died in his apartment at Casa Santa Marta at 7:35 AM on April 21, less than a day after giving his final public blessing.
Vatican Releases Details of Funeral Rites
Image Source: The Journal
The Vatican showed details about Pope Francis’s unprecedented funeral plans after his death. These plans show how the pontiff wanted simple final rites that changed centuries-old traditions of papal deaths and burials.
Simple rites requested by Francis
Pope Francis gave his final approval to a revised edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites in April 2024. He died just weeks later. This updated manual, the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (Latin for “Funeral Rites of the Roman Pontiff”), includes many changes Francis wanted.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, said these changes came from the Pope’s personal wishes. “Pope Francis has stated on several occasions the need to simplify and adapt certain rites so that the celebration of the funeral of the bishop of Rome may better express the faith of the Church in the risen Christ,” Ravelli noted.
The new protocols want to highlight Francis’s steadfast dedication to humility and his rejection of royal symbols. “The renewed rite seeks to emphasize 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,” Ravelli stated. This lines up with how Francis always tried to present himself as a simple bishop rather than a monarch.
New elements in the Ordo Exsequiarum
The second edition brings several most important changes to traditional papal funeral practices:
- A simple wooden coffin with zinc lining replaces the traditional three-coffin system of cypress, lead, and oak
- Death determination happens in the Pope’s chapel instead of his bedroom
- The body goes directly into the coffin rather than being displayed separately
- People view the Pope’s body in the coffin instead of on an elevated platform (catafalque)
- A Paschal candle stands near the coffin as a symbol of resurrection
- A white cloth covers the Pope’s face before sealing the coffin
- The coffin contains coins from his papacy and a one-page account of his pontificate (called a “rogito”)
The updated rites also change the procession into St. Peter’s Basilica. The Litany of Saints now includes all canonized popes. The Dean of the College of Cardinals will lead the funeral instead of a new pope, breaking from past centuries’ traditions.
Expected timeline for funeral and burial
The Vatican started a carefully planned sequence of events after Pope Francis’s death. Cardinal Farrell, as Camerlengo, confirmed the Pope’s death in his chapel at Casa Santa Marta. His body will move to St. Peter’s Basilica where faithful can pay respects to his remains in the open coffin.
The funeral Mass should happen between four to six days after death, following Vatican tradition. Francis will become the first pope in over 100 years to be buried outside Vatican grounds after the funeral liturgy in St. Peter’s Square.
Francis chose Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major as his final resting place instead of joining other popes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. This choice reflects his deep devotion to the Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the People of Rome) icon at that church. He visited this Byzantine image of Mary holding baby Jesus after every foreign trip during his papacy.
The Church begins a nine-day mourning period called the “novemdiales” after burial. Cardinals under 80 will gather to select Francis’s successor only after this period ends.
Pope Francis Leaves Behind a Legacy of Inclusion
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Pope Francis revolutionized the Catholic Church’s approach to marginalized communities during his twelve-year pontificate. His legacy stands out for its inclusivity and compassion that often challenged traditional Catholic positions.
Support for migrants and LGBTQ+ rights
Pope Francis’s commitment to migrants remained unwavering throughout his papacy. He released a letter in February 2025, just months before his death, asking Catholics not to “give in to narratives that discriminate against and cause unnecessary suffering to migrants and refugees”. His criticism of deportation programs was clear – expelling people who fled “extreme poverty, insecurity, exploitation, persecution or serious deterioration of the environment, damages the dignity of many men and women”. The Pope’s message was consistent: caring for migrants represented a core Christian value. He became known for denouncing the “globalization of indifference” shown to migrants.
The Pope’s approach to LGBTQ+ rights brought a new perspective to Church discourse. His 2013 statement set the tone: “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?”. He declared in 2023 that “being gay is not a crime” and called laws criminalizing homosexuality “unjust”. The Vatican under his leadership welcomed transgender people into Church sacramental life. They could now be baptized, become godparents, and witness weddings. His approval of blessings for same-sex couples in December 2023 marked another milestone, though he managed to keep traditional Church teaching that marriage exists only between a man and woman.
Efforts to modernize Church doctrine
The Pope’s collaborative approach to Church governance increased the Synod of Bishops’ influence significantly. He welcomed open debate on previously forbidden topics, unlike his predecessors. His appointments included 163 cardinals from 76 countries, with 25 nations receiving their first-ever representation in the College of Cardinals.
Women’s roles expanded remarkably under Francis’s leadership. He appointed women to lead Vatican departments traditionally headed by cardinals. Three women joined the Vatican office that vets bishop appointments—breaking centuries of tradition. Women gained voting rights in the Synod of Bishops, challenging the Church’s male-dominated governance structure.
Criticism from conservative factions
The Pope’s progressive stance met strong opposition, especially from traditionalist Catholics. He spoke directly about U.S. Catholic conservatives in 2023, describing them as having “a very strong, organized, reactionary attitude” that he labeled “backward”. He cautioned that such attitudes could lead to “ideologies replacing faith”.
Cardinal Raymond Burke emerged as a leading critic, challenging Francis’s openness to blessing same-sex unions through formal queries. Support among conservative American Catholics declined, with Francis’s approval rating among U.S. Catholic Republicans dropping 15 points since 2015.
Francis’s papacy marked a fundamental change from his more doctrinaire predecessors. Dr. Massimo Faggioli observed that his reforms “angered a specific kind of identity-driven Catholics” while making the Church more welcoming to previously excluded communities.
Francis Reforms Church Governance and Finances
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Pope Francis began sweeping reforms of Vatican governance and finances after his election in 2013. He tackled deep-rooted corruption and modernized centuries-old structures with unprecedented determination.
Crackdown on Vatican corruption
The Pope created the Secretariat for the Economy in 2014, a powerful financial watchdog to monitor all Vatican offices. This new organization oversaw “monitoring and watchfulness in administrative, economic and financial matters” across curial institutions. New regulations soon followed that mandated transparency, competitive bidding procedures, and ethical investment policies.
Francis issued tough anti-corruption measures in April 2021. Vatican employees could no longer accept gifts worth more than €40 (approximately $48). His decree required cardinals and managers to declare they weren’t under investigation for financial crimes and had no investments in tax havens. Cardinal Angelo Becciu lost his privileges after embezzlement allegations surfaced. Becciu ended up convicted and received a five-and-a-half year prison sentence.
Inclusion of women in leadership roles
Women’s representation in Vatican leadership grew significantly during Francis’s papacy. The Vatican’s female workforce increased from 19.3% in 2013 to 23.4% by 2023. The Curia reached 26% female employees. Sister Raffaella Petrini became secretary general of the Vatican City State, a role previously held only by cardinals.
The Pope appointed the first female members to the Dicastery for Bishops and gave women half the seats on the Vatican’s economic council. His apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium opened almost all Vatican offices to lay leadership, including positions that could shape bishop appointments worldwide.
Handling of sex abuse scandals
Francis made bishops directly accountable for abuse or cover-ups and eliminated “pontifical secrecy” for abuse cases, despite mixed progress on financial reforms. He became the first pope to publicly acknowledge priests’ sexual abuse of nuns.
Critics found these reforms inadequate. One abuse survivor said, “While the pope publicly condemns abuse, he turns a blind eye to the priests who force nuns into having abortions”. The Pope’s promises to “spare no effort” in addressing abuse remained unfulfilled for many survivors.
Global Leaders Pay Tribute to the Late Pontiff
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The news of Pope Francis’s death sparked worldwide grief as global leaders and religious figures shared heartfelt tributes that captured different highlights of his eleven-year papacy.
Statements from world leaders
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who met the pontiff just before his death, shared that his “heart goes out to the millions of Christians who loved him.” He added, “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill”. French President Emmanuel Macron celebrated Francis’s vision by saying, “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest”.
The Italian Prime Minister’s tribute was personal. Giorgia Meloni reflected on how she “had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his counsel and his teachings”. Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed they were “deeply saddened” but found solace knowing “His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church” before his passing.
Diplomatic leaders joined in tribute. Israeli President Isaac Herzog remembered Francis as “a man of deep faith and boundless compassion”. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi honored him as “an exceptional global figure who dedicated his life to serving the values of peace and justice”.
Reactions from religious communities
Religious leaders shared similar sentiments. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who leads the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, noted sadly that “a voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being… is now silent”.
Public mourning across continents
People showed their grief in touching ways worldwide. Notre Dame Cathedral’s bells rang 88 times in Paris—once for each year of the Pope’s life. The Eiffel Tower went dark in his memory. Rome’s church bells echoed through the city as people gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ordered all government building flags to fly at half-mast as a mark of respect. Citizens placed flowers at churches around the world in spontaneous shows of love.
Fact Check: Rumors and Clarifications on His Death
Image Source: Vatican News
The world mourned Pope Francis while fighting a wave of viral misinformation about his death. This wasn’t the first time false death claims spread about the pontiff, and history shows why this matters.
Clarifying pope francis death rumor
Before Francis’s actual death on April 21, 2025, false death rumors kept popping up online. Several Facebook posts wrongly claimed in February 2025 that Pope Francis had died in the hospital. Someone created a fake announcement that read: “With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Holy Father, Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Pope Francis entered into eternal rest today at 19:39, at the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome”. The Vatican repeatedly confirmed Francis was alive during this time, though his condition was critical.
The Catholic Church fought back against these false claims. Vatican officials released daily health updates showing the Pope’s treatment was helping him improve slightly. The Pope himself posted on social media to thank people for their prayers, which proved he was still alive.
Verifying pope francis death date and cause
Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed Pope Francis died at 7:35 AM on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his Vatican home. He passed away just one day after he appeared in St. Peter’s Square for Easter celebrations. Doctors said bilateral pneumonia complications caused his death, made worse by Francis’s breathing problems from a partial lung removal during his youth in Argentina.
Addressing misinformation on social media
Vatican officials fought what they called “a quiet battle against fake news” about the Pope’s health from February to March 2025. Social media users falsely announced his death four times while he was in the hospital. On top of that, thousands of AI-generated images spread showing Francis wearing an oxygen mask, supposedly on his deathbed.
People used more than just text posts to deceive others. A TikTok account “queens.tribe” shared edited screenshots that copied Vatican News’ verified X account, which millions of people viewed. Catholic media warned people to watch out for anyone using the Vatican News logo to spread lies.
The sad truth is that while previous rumors were proven false, Cardinal Farrell’s April 21 announcement was real.
Pope Francis’s death closes a chapter that changed the Catholic Church forever. His twelve-year leadership altered the map of centuries-old traditions through bold reforms and openness to all. Francis led with humility and compassion until his final days, when he kept meeting people despite his weakening health.
His influence reached way beyond the reach and influence of Vatican walls. The Church saw major changes under his guidance as he modernized its governance, fought financial wrongdoing, lifted women’s roles, and welcomed dialog with those on society’s edges. Without doubt, his forward-thinking ways earned both praise and criticism, especially when you have conservative Catholics who questioned his shift from traditional stances.
The world’s outpouring of grief shows Francis’s deep effect as both a religious guide and moral compass. His death means more than losing a pope – it marks the end of a defining period that pushed the Catholic Church to rethink its place in today’s world.
Millions now prepare to say goodbye to Jorge Mario Bergoglio. His dream of building a more welcoming, open, and caring Church lives on as his gift to those who follow. The final Easter blessing he gave just hours before dying stands as a perfect symbol of his life’s work – bringing hope and joy to believers everywhere.
