Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta .
Here’s a summary of the key events and related information:
- Death Announcement: Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced Pope Francis’ death at 9:45 AM . He stated that the Pope passed away at 7:35 AM and had dedicated his life to serving the Lord and the Church .
- Funeral Arrangements:
- The Pope’s body may be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning, April 23, 2025, for the faithful to pay their respects .
- The first General Congregation of Cardinals will take place on Tuesday morning to decide on a date for the funeral .
- Pope Francis had requested that his funeral rites be simplified and focused on the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ .
- Rite of Certification of Death: The rite of the certification of death and placement in the coffin took place on Monday evening at 8:00 PM in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta . Cardinal Farrell validated the declaration of death, and the ceremony lasted just under an hour .
- Sealing of Apartments: The papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace and the apartment in Casa Santa Marta, where Pope Francis lived, have been sealed .
- Health History: Pope Francis was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after suffering from bronchitis . He was later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia .
- Legacy of Peace: Pope Francis is remembered as a Pope of peace, with tireless appeals and visits to show closeness to those affected by conflict . During his last public appearance on Easter, he urged world leaders to lay down arms and embrace dialogue .
- Reactions: Many have expressed sorrow and are mourning the passing of Pope Francis .
About POP Francis :
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 2013 until his death on April 21, 2025 .
Key points about his life and papacy:
- Early Life and Career: Before becoming Pope, he worked as a chemical technician and nightclub bouncer . He later studied at the Jesuit seminary in Villa Devoto .
- Election as Pope: He was elected as the 266th Pope on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI . Francis was the first Pope from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first non-European Pope since the 8th century .
- Tenure: During his time as Pope, Francis was known for his humility, concern for the poor and marginalized, and commitment to interfaith dialogue . He ushered in a new era of leadership in the Roman Catholic Church .
- Key Initiatives and Themes:
- Focus on Peace: He was regarded as a Pope of peace, consistently advocating for conflict resolution and showing solidarity with those affected by war .
- Social Justice: He emphasized social justice and the need to address poverty and inequality .
- Environmental Concerns: Pope Francis was vocal about the importance of environmental stewardship, as demonstrated in his encyclical Laudato Si’ .
- Death and Succession: Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025 . Following his death, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo, became the acting head of Vatican City . A papal conclave will be held in May to elect his successor .
- Impact and Legacy: His papacy is viewed as a turning point in the Catholic Church’s approach to contemporary issues . He is remembered for his efforts to make the Church more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the modern world .
