The Vatican announced early Monday that Pope Francis has died at 88 years of age, following months of health issues.
Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement, "At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His whole 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 favor of the poorest and most marginalized. 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," Cardinal Farrell added.
Pope Francis was the first non-European pontiff in nearly 1,300 years. He is known for refusing offers to move into luxurious papal apartments and a tenure marked by a more forward-looking approach to the faith.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/jUIkbplVi2
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025
Pope battled pneumonia for weeks
In the lead-up to the Catholics' Holy Week, Pope Francis has been suffering with bilateral pneumonia. He suffered a bout of bronchitis for several days in mid-February before he was diagnosed with pneumonia.
Following a 38-day stay at the hospital, the Pope had returned to his residence at the Casa Santa Marta to recover.
He has also suffered respiratory illnesses in the past, including an influenza and lung inflammation late in 2023.
Catholics mourn the Pope's passing
On social media platform X, "Pope Francis" hit the top of the trending topics as Catholics mourn his loss.
X filled up with photos and videos of the Pope throughout his tenure at the Vatican, with some users noting his "compassion, humility, and unwavering leadership."
Thank you, Pope Francis, for your compassion, humility, and unwavering leadership. You touched millions of lives with your kindness and faith. Rest in peace. You will always be remembered. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/d6qwrAXXG4
— kcmbsuperstar 🍉 (@kcmbsuperstar) April 21, 2025
Activist Howard Beckett said, "humanity has lost a friend in the passing of Pope Francis."
Pope Francis' time as the Catholic church's leader was marked not only by his unique approach toward overhauling the institution, but also one of division and tension as he sought to bring forward-looking changes to the old religion.
Among his beliefs that fueled division was his work in addressing elitist stances among the clergy. He demanded compassion and even urged the embrace and acceptance of gay Catholics and divorced people.
What happens next?
With Pope Francis gone, the Vatican will undergo a period of mourning and a millennia-old process toward picking a new pope called the "Papal Interregnum."
Cardinals will decide where the pope's funeral will take place and the conclave will begin. There will be nine days of mourning, which Catholics call the Novendiales. Pope Francis will be buried between the fourth and sixth day after his death.
Catholics will be able to get a glimpse of the pontiff's body when it is displayed at the St. Peter's Basilica.
Finally, cardinals aged under 80 will meet at the Vatican to pick the next pope. In the past, the process has taken up to three weeks.
