Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, the office of the Holy See has said.
Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for 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 God, One and Tribune.″
The Pope had been unwell for a number of months and was recovering from a near-fatal bout of pneumonia.
His passing death came less than 24 hours after he met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance to exchange Easter greetings. The Pope and the U.S. administration had previously clashed over the Trump administration’s migrant deportation plans.
According to the AP, Pope Francis received Vance in one of the reception rooms of the Vatican hotel where he lives. The Pope offered the Catholic VP three chocolate Easter eggs for Vance’s children as well as a Vatican tie and rosaries.
Yesterday’s Easter Mass was celebrated in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square but it was delegated to another cardinal by the Pope.
More to come…
