The Catholic Church is in mourning following the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. this morning at his residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, Vatican City. He was 88 years old.
The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who addressed the faithful with solemn words:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. His entire life was devoted to service to the Lord and 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 marginalized.”
Cause of Death
According to the official declaration signed by Professor Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Vatican’s Directorate of Health and Hygiene, Pope Francis died due to complications from a stroke, coma, and irreversible cardiovascular collapse. His health had been deteriorating in recent years due to multiple underlying conditions, including Type II diabetes, hypertension, and chronic respiratory issues.
Final Rites Begin
In keeping with the traditions of the Church, the rite of certification of death and the laying of the Pope’s body in the coffin will take place this evening at 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae. The ceremony will be led by Cardinal Farrell, with the Dean of the College of Cardinals and members of the Pope’s household expected to attend.
A Papacy of Mercy and Humility
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first pontiff from Latin America and the first Jesuit pope. Elected on March 13, 2013, he chose the name “Francis” in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting his dedication to humility, simplicity, and care for the poor and the environment.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis became a global symbol of compassion, dialogue, and social justice. From embracing refugees to advocating for the environment through Laudato Si’, and from addressing clergy abuse with transparency to promoting interfaith unity, his legacy is one of courageous service in a complex world.
Final Wishes and Burial
In a heartfelt testament dated June 29, 2022, Pope Francis expressed a desire to be buried in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a sacred place he visited frequently throughout his papacy.
“I wish that my final earthly journey conclude precisely in this ancient Marian shrine, where I go to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey,” he wrote.
He requested a simple tomb with no ornamentation, bearing only the name Franciscus. The expenses for his burial have been privately arranged by a benefactor.
Mourning Across the World
The news of Pope Francis’ passing has reverberated across the globe. Tributes have poured in from world leaders, faith communities, and millions of Catholics who saw in him a spiritual father and moral compass.
Due to his death, the canonization ceremony of Blessed Carlo Acutis, originally scheduled for April 27, has been suspended.
As preparations begin for the funeral and the historic transition of leadership in the Church, the world reflects on the extraordinary life of Pope Francis, a man who walked with the people, led with tenderness, and never stopped reminding us of God’s boundless mercy.
