Pope Francis, a powerful voice for the poor and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that the pope died of a stroke and heart failure at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence in Casa Santa Marta.
The somber announcement came just a day after Easter Sunday, the most sacred celebration in the Christian calendar. Despite his fragile health, Pope Francis made multiple public appearances during Holy Week and even addressed the faithful at St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter, where he was seen smiling and engaging with the crowd.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the pope’s passing “with deep sorrow” and praised Francis as a true disciple of Christ. As the temporary head of the Vatican until a new pope is chosen, Farrell said in an official statement, “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 Triune God.”
According to the Vatican press office, the pope died at his personal residence at Casa Santa Marta. His final days were marked by deteriorating health conditions, including a prior episode of acute respiratory failure, arterial hypertension, and type II diabetes. The pope had also been hospitalized earlier this year with a severe case of double pneumonia and remained under critical care for five weeks. His condition had become so serious that doctors at one point considered ending active treatment.
Although he had shown signs of recovery and was discharged last month, Pope Francis continued to experience health issues. Yet, his commitment to his role never wavered. He remained active throughout Holy Week, and on Easter Sunday, he met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican. During the Easter celebrations, although an aide delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing, Pope Francis appeared in the popemobile and blessed the faithful, pausing to greet and bless infants in the crowd.
Vice President Vance expressed his condolences, saying on X (formerly Twitter), “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.” He also added how grateful he was to have seen the pope during Easter, calling the moment meaningful and heartfelt.
Pope Francis’ death marks the end of a historic papacy that began in 2013. Until a successor is elected, the Catholic world will mourn the loss of a leader who remained committed to his mission despite profound health challenges—right until the end.
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