Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday aged 88

• Published On: 23 April 2025 at 06:11

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at his home in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.
By Devin Watkins.

At 9:45 a.m., Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced Pope Francis' death from the Casa Santa Marta, saying:

"With deep regret, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. Francis, Bishop of Rome, returned to the Father's house at 7:35 a.m. today. His entire life was dedicated to serving the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the Gospel's teachings with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, particularly for the poorest and most marginalised. With great thanks for his example as a real disciple of the Lord Jesus, we dedicate Pope Francis' soul to the boundless forgiving love of the One and Triune God."

Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, told journalists later on Monday that the late Pope's body would be transported to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday morning, allowing the faithful to pray before his mortal remains.

"The translation of the Holy Father's mortal remains to the Vatican Basilica, for the veneration of all the faithful, may take place on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, according to the arrangements that shall be determined and communicated tomorrow, following the first Congregation of the Cardinals," says Mr. Bruni.

The rite of death certification and coffin placement took place on Monday evening at 8:00 p.m. in the chapel on the ground floor of the late Pope's residence in Casa Santa Marta.

During the rite, the declaration of death was read out loud. Cardinal Farrell validated the act, and the ceremony lasted less than an hour.

Seals were placed on the papal apartment on the third floor of the Apostolic Palace and the apartment on the second floor of the Casa Santa Marta, where Pope Francis resided.

Mr. Bruni informed media that as of Monday evening, Pope Francis' closest associates had begun to pay tribute to the late Pope.

He stated that the first General Congregation of Cardinals will be held on Tuesday morning, during which a date for the funeral may be determined.