Death of Pope Francis

 

Death of Pope Francis: A Global Spiritual Leader Passes at 88

Pope Francis, a powerful voice for the poor and a transformative force within the Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed.

The news was delivered Monday morning by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Vatican.

“Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the passing of our Holy Father Francis,” the Cardinal said in an official statement.

“At 7:35 a.m., the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. He dedicated his entire life to the service of the Lord and His Church.”

Farrell continued: “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poor and the marginalized.”

“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the Triune God.”

The announcement came as a surprise to many, occurring just a day after Pope Francis made a significant public appearance. Though less active than usual on Sunday, he still managed to address a large gathering of the faithful.

He gave the traditional Easter blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican—his most visible appearance since being discharged from the hospital.

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What Happens Following a Pope’s Death?

Pope Francis’s passing marks the beginning of a historic transition in the Vatican and launches the ancient and symbolic process of selecting a new pope.

This period, known as the "papal interregnum," began immediately following his death. Although the procedures are steeped in centuries-old tradition, they’ve evolved to suit the modern era.

The College of Cardinals will determine the funeral date and schedule the start of the conclave, the sacred assembly that elects a new pope. Much of the timeline is already outlined: the Pope’s death triggered the "Novendiales"—nine days of official mourning. Burial typically takes place between the fourth and sixth day after death.

The late pope’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing mourners to pay their respects. As seen during the passing of Pope John Paul II in 2005, thousands are expected to queue for hours to view the body.

Cardinals under the age of 80 will then gather in the Vatican to elect Pope Francis’s successor. Traditionally, this election takes two to three weeks, although the process can take longer if consensus proves elusive.

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A Historic Papacy from the Global South

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936 to Italian immigrants, Pope Francis was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to be elected pope in the Church’s 2,000-year history. He was also the first to choose the name "Francis."

From the beginning, he gained a reputation as a reformer with a forward-looking worldview. He spoke out on major global issues including migration, war, and climate change, consistently placing marginalized voices at the center of the Church’s mission.

Pope Francis sought to reform entrenched elitism in the clergy, advocated for more compassionate approaches toward divorced and LGBTQ Catholics, and pushed for inclusivity within the Church.

He made significant efforts to address financial corruption in the Vatican and tackled clerical sexual abuse by establishing laws holding bishops accountable for cover-ups. He also empowered more women in Vatican roles and permitted priests to bless same-sex couples.

Internationally, Francis built bridges with the Muslim world and served as a voice of peace amid global conflicts—most notably in Ukraine and the Middle East.

However, his progressive stances also drew fierce opposition from ultraconservative factions within the Church. Many liberal Catholics believed his reforms didn’t go far enough, particularly in matters like allowing married priests, revising Church doctrine on homosexuality, or expanding women’s roles in ministry.

Despite his efforts, Pope Francis was unable to fully stem the tide of abuse scandals that have long haunted the Catholic Church. He accepted responsibility for addressing the crisis, though the damage to the Church’s credibility endured throughout his papacy.

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A Pope Committed to Service Until the End

Even in his final days, Pope Francis remained active in his spiritual duties, participating in Easter celebrations—the most sacred time in the Christian calendar.

While he did not preside over the main Holy Week and Easter liturgies, he made brief but impactful appearances, including a visit to a Roman prison on Thursday and to St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday evening.

On Easter Sunday, he delivered the "urbi et orbi" blessing, with an aide reading his prepared message. This unique blessing offers plenary indulgence—the remission of all sins—and can only be conferred by the pope.

Later that day, he greeted a cheering crowd from the popemobile—his first such appearance since his recent hospitalization. He also met briefly with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, marking the final meeting between the pope and a foreign dignitary.

“It’s extraordinary that, following the Church’s most significant liturgical moment, he would pass away—remarkable and somehow fitting, given Easter’s message of death and new life,” said Christopher Lamb, CNN’s Vatican correspondent in Rome.

“Pope Francis’s final days were devoted to serving the Church, continuing his ministry to the very end. He did not resign, as some had speculated. He consistently expressed his commitment to serve until his final breath.”