Pope Francis Has Died at 88 — What You Need to Know

April 21, 2025—the first Latin American pope and a tireless advocate for the marginalised, Pope Francis has died at 88 in his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, on Easter Monday. The Vatican confirmed his passing at 7:35 AM (CEST), with Cardinal Kevin Farrell announcing the news, praising Francis’ “universal love for the poorest.”

Pope Francis’ Life of Service
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis dedicated his life to the Gospel, emphasising courage and fidelity. Elected in 2013, he shifted the Catholic Church’s focus to the poor, migrants, and environmental justice. His reforms included unprecedented steps toward accountability for clerical abuse, though some called for bolder changes.

Pope Francis’ Health Challenges
Francis has battled respiratory issues for decades, following a partial lung removal in his 20s. In February 2025, he was hospitalised for 38 days with bilateral pneumonia after a bronchitis episode. Despite a brief recovery, his health remained fragile, leading to his death.

A Simplified Legacy: Papal Funeral Rites
Known for his humility, Pope Francis requested a streamlined funeral focused on “faith in the Risen Christ”. In 2024, Pope Francis updated papal funeral rites to reflect this, emphasising his role as a pastor, not a worldly power. Breaking tradition, he chose burial at Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica instead of the Vatican Grottoes. A nine-day mourning period (Novendiale) will precede the funeral Mass, with details forthcoming.

Who will be the next Pope?
Following Pope Francis’ death, the Catholic Church entered a period known as “sede vacante” (vacant seat). Cardinals from around the world will gather in a conclave in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope, a process expected to begin within 15 to 20 days. The conclave, guided by ancient rituals, requires a two-thirds majority to select the new pontiff, who will lead the Church’s 1.4 billion faithful.

Cardinal Farrell commended Francis’ life of service, noting his example as a true disciple of Christ. Pope Francis’ death marks the end of a transformative papacy that reshaped the Church’s mission toward inclusion and compassion.