Vatican City – Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed. He passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City.
The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who said:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis… His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church.”
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Pope Francis
Final Public Appearance
Just a day before his passing, Pope Francis made an unexpected appearance during the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, where he greeted thousands of Catholic faithful. His presence offered hope despite ongoing health challenges.
Ailing Health and Hospitalisation
The pope had been in fragile health in recent months. In February 2025, he was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome due to bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia. After a 38-day hospital stay, he returned to Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.
Francis had long suffered respiratory issues, stemming from a 1957 operation in Argentina to remove part of a lung following a severe infection. In late 2023, he also cancelled a major international trip due to lung inflammation and influenza.
Life and Legacy
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years when he was elected in March 2013.
Throughout his 12-year papacy, he was known for his humility, advocacy for the poor, and push for reform within the Church. He often challenged global powers on issues such as climate change, social justice, and migration.
Funeral Plans and Final Wishes
Before his death, Pope Francis approved an updated liturgical book in April 2024, outlining simplified funeral rites for papal burials. The new edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis reflects his desire for a more modest ceremony centered on faith in the Resurrection.
According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies:
“The renewed rite seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ—not of a powerful person of this world.”
Details of the funeral Mass are yet to be announced, but it is expected to occur at St. Peter’s Basilica, with millions expected to participate globally.
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A World in Mourning
As tributes pour in from around the world, the Church has now entered a period of sede vacante (Latin for “vacant seat”), during which a new pope will be elected. The College of Cardinals will soon convene in a conclave to choose Pope Francis’ successor.
Stay with Naija Blog Daily for more updates on the papal succession, funeral arrangements, and global reactions.
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