Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, the Vatican announced.
His death occurred at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence within the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, confirmed the news, stating, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I need to announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.”
Just weeks before his passing, Pope Francis had been hospitalized in Rome for bronchitis. Although he was discharged on March 23, concerns about his health continued. Despite visible signs of illness, he resumed limited duties and made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday to bless the faithful in St. Peter’s Square. That very same day, he also met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on the Vatican.
How Old Was Pope Francis?
Pope Francis was born on December 17, 1936, and was 88 years old on the time of his passing.
What Was Pope Francis’ Reason for Death?
Based on the Vatican, his reason for death was a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure. He was also affected by his “previous episode of acute respiratory failure in bilateral multimicrobial pneumonia, multiple bronchiectasis, arterial hypertension and sort II diabetes,” in keeping with the death certificate.
How Long Has Pope Francis Been the Pope?
Pope Francis served as the top of the Catholic Church for just over 12 years. He was elected on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, and remained within the role until his death.
What Happens When the Pope Dies?
When a pope dies, the governance of the Catholic Church temporarily shifts to the Camerlengo—currently Cardinal Farrell—who oversees the day-to-day operations of the Vatican until a brand new pope is elected. While Farrell doesn’t have the authority to make doctrinal changes, he manages the Church’s administrative functions and prepares for the upcoming papal conclave, where eligible cardinals will gather to elect the following pope.
Pope Francis’ Health
Pope Francis faced several health challenges during his later years, which frequently sparked speculation that he might resign — rumors he consistently denied. In 2021, he underwent intestinal surgery to treat diverticulitis, a condition that causes inflammation within the colon. The procedure involved removing a part of his colon. Despite widespread reports that he was considering stepping down, Francis told Spanish radio network COPE that the concept “didn’t even cross [his] mind.”
Health concerns continued in 2022 when a chronic knee condition limited his mobility and made it difficult to perform some papal duties. In consequence, he began using a wheelchair and cane.
In 2023, Francis was hospitalized for bronchitis but recovered in time to preside over the Easter Vigil Mass just days later. His 2025 hospitalization marked the second time he required medical treatment for bronchitis. That 12 months, his condition worsened, eventually resulting in complications including pneumonia and kidney failure.
Based on CNN, Francis had battled lung issues throughout his life. The Argentinian pontiff survived a serious case of pneumonia in his youth and had a part of one lung removed, a condition that continued to affect his health in later years.
