Pope Francis Dies at 88 Years

Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the Catholic Church and a symbol of humility and compassion, has passed away at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death early Monday morning, April 21, at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, made the solemn announcement, stating that the Pope died peacefully at 7:35 a.m. Just a day before, Francis had appeared briefly to greet the faithful during Easter Sunday celebrations—his final public moment as the Bishop of Rome.

In his official statement, Cardinal Farrell said, “With deep sorrow, I announce that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, returned to the house of the Father this morning. His life was a living testament to the Gospel—marked by courage, compassion, and a deep love for the poor and forgotten.”

A Long Battle with Health Issues

Pope Francis had been recovering at home after a long hospitalization earlier this year. He was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on February 14, 2025, suffering from bronchitis. Despite initial signs of recovery, his condition worsened days later. Doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia on February 18. His health had been fragile for years, largely due to respiratory complications stemming from a lung surgery in his youth.

This wasn't his first health setback. In November 2023, he had canceled an official visit to the United Arab Emirates due to influenza and lung inflammation. These health struggles increasingly limited his public engagements in his final years.

A Legacy of Simplicity and Reform

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church. His papacy broke with tradition in many ways. He chose humility over grandeur, lived in a modest guesthouse instead of the Apostolic Palace, and constantly advocated for the marginalized.

Even in death, Pope Francis sought simplicity. Before his passing, he approved a revised version of the papal funeral liturgy. The updated *Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis* includes changes that reflect his pastoral vision: fewer formalities and a greater focus on the resurrection of Christ. According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, who oversees papal ceremonies, the Pope wanted his funeral to reflect the faith of a humble disciple, not the status of a world leader.

The Vatican has not yet announced the details of the funeral arrangements, but they will follow the new rites he personally endorsed.

As the world mourns the loss of a deeply human and spiritual leader, the legacy of Pope Francis remains—one of empathy, service, and unwavering faith in the face of modern challenges.