Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and the first from Latin America, passed away at 7:35 a.m. on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, and the cause of death has been confirmed.
Pope Francis’ cause of death has been confirmed to be complications from double pneumonia. His health had been declining since mid-February when he was hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital with bronchitis, which progressed to pneumonia in both lungs. Despite initial signs of improvement, his condition worsened, leading to respiratory crises that required ventilator support. He died peacefully at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta .
His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who stated, “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”.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, he was ordained a priest in 1969 and later became Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Elected pope on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Francis was known for his humility, opting to reside in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta guesthouse rather than the traditional papal apartments.
His papacy was marked by efforts to reform the Church and address contemporary issues. He emphasized outreach to marginalized communities, famously stating, “Who am I to judge?” in reference to gay Catholics. Francis also focused on environmental concerns, social justice, and interfaith dialogue, while facing criticism from conservative factions within the Church.
In recent years, Pope Francis faced health challenges, including a hospitalization in February 2025 for bronchitis that developed into pneumonia. Despite these issues, he continued to fulfill his duties, appearing publicly as recently as Easter Sunday.
Funeral arrangements are underway, with details to be announced by the Vatican. Pope Francis’s death marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, humility, and a commitment to addressing the needs of the modern world.
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We have lost a loving, caring,and powerful pope may his soul rest in eternal peace 🙏🙏🙏🙏