Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced.
The Argentinian-born pontiff, who became the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, passed away at 7:35am this morning in the Vatican.
The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who said in a statement:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.
He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
The Vatican is expected to begin the formal process of selecting a new pope — known as a conclave — within 15 to 20 days, according to traditional Catholic Church protocol.
A Papacy Marked by Reform and Declining Health
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the office. His papacy was widely regarded as one of humility and reform, focusing on poverty, climate action, social justice and efforts to make the Church more inclusive. His stance on a number of social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights and migration, earned him both praise and criticism during his tenure.
In recent years, concerns about the pontiff’s health had become increasingly pronounced. He was hospitalised multiple times for respiratory infections and underlying conditions. His final hospital admission was on 14 February, when he was treated for bronchitis and later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.
By 22 February, the Vatican reported that Francis was in critical condition, suffering from a prolonged respiratory crisis and requiring a high flow of oxygen. Doctors later revealed he had developed a mild kidney failure and was experiencing complications including anaemia.
Thousands of faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square and at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome during his final days, offering prayers, flowers, and messages of support. On 6 March, he addressed the public in an audio message, thanking well-wishers and saying, “I am with you from here.”
Just weeks ago, Pope Francis greeted the crowds from his hospital room after a visit from U.S. Vice President JD Vance the day before. His last public appearance came on 23 March when he appeared on the balcony of the Gemelli hospital, smiling and giving a thumbs up to the gathered crowd. He was discharged later that day and returned to the Vatican to begin a period of rest and ongoing treatment.
Doctors said that while the pneumonia infection had been treated successfully, Francis was continuing physiotherapy and was prescribed long-term medication for a persistent fungal infection in his lungs.
End of an Era
With Pope Francis’s passing, the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning and transition. His death marks the end of a decade of papal leadership defined by attempts to modernise the Church while maintaining traditional doctrine. Loved by many for his warmth, simplicity, and commitment to the marginalised, his legacy will continue to shape the direction of Catholicism for years to come.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements and the conclave to elect his successor are expected to be released in the coming days.
