Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and its first Latin American pontiff, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The official announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, at 9:45 AM from Casa Santa Marta, the Pope’s Vatican residence.
The cause of death was complications related to bilateral pneumonia, following a prolonged battle with respiratory illnesses. Pope Francis had been admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome on February 14, 2025, after suffering from bronchitis. On February 18, doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia — an infection affecting both lungs — which significantly deteriorated his health.
Despite a 38-day stay at the hospital, during which his condition fluctuated, the Pope was discharged and continued recovery at his Vatican residence. However, his health never fully stabilized. At 7:35 AM on April 21, Pope Francis took his final breath.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Pope had a long history of respiratory issues. In 1957, in his early twenties, he had part of his lung surgically removed after a severe infection. This history of respiratory vulnerability contributed to recurring bouts of illness throughout his later life, including the cancellation of a 2023 visit to the UAE due to influenza and lung inflammation.
The Pope’s final rites will follow a revised version of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, which he personally approved in April 2024. The update emphasized simplicity and spiritual humility. In accordance with the new guidelines, his death was confirmed in the chapel rather than the room he passed in, and his body was placed directly into the coffin.
Pope Francis’ passing marks the end of a 12-year papacy shaped by compassion, reform, and a profound focus on the marginalized. The world now prepares to say farewell to a spiritual leader who redefined the modern Church with humility and purpose.
