The Vatican has announced the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. The Holy Father passed away peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in Casa Santa Marta.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church since 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His decade-long papacy was marked by a commitment to humility, reform, and compassion, earning him admiration across the globe.
In recent years, the pontiff’s health had been a growing concern. On February 14, he was hospitalized with bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia. Medical updates from the Vatican revealed that he underwent blood transfusions to treat low platelet levels linked to anaemia.
By February 22, the Vatican reported the Pope was in critical condition, suffering from a prolonged respiratory crisis requiring high-flow oxygen. A day later, officials disclosed he was also battling early-stage kidney failure.
As news of his condition spread, thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square and outside the Rome hospital to offer prayers and tributes. Despite his deteriorating health, Pope Francis made a brief yet emotional return to the public eye during Easter celebrations.
After 38 days in the hospital, he appeared on March 23 from the balcony of Gemelli Hospital, smiling and giving a thumbs up to well-wishers. His return to the Vatican included an unannounced visit to one of his favorite basilicas, before beginning a period of extended rest and recovery under close medical supervision.
Though doctors confirmed his pneumonia had been successfully treated, the Pope remained under 24-hour care with continued respiratory therapy and medication for a lingering fungal infection in his lungs.
His passing brings to a close a transformative era in the Catholic Church. Tributes are pouring in from religious and world leaders as millions mourn the loss of a spiritual icon.
