Death and funeral of Pope Francis

2025 death and funeral of the 266th pope

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Death and funeral of Pope FrancisDate| 21 April 2025 (2025-04-21)

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Time| 07:35 (CEST)
Location| Domus Sanctae Marthae, Vatican City

Pope Francis died at the age of 88 on 21 April 2025 (Easter Monday) at 07:35 CEST (UTC+02:00) at his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City.[1][2]

His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell on the Vatican's TV channel Vatican Media and in a video statement at 9:47[3] on the day of his death.[4]

The cause of death is currently unknown, but it was known that he recently had recovered from pneumonia.

## Background

[edit]

Francis met US Vice President JD Vance on 20 April 2025, the day before his death.

Elected in March 2013 at the age of 76, Francis was reported to be healthy. The Pope had suffered from chronic lung damage, due in part to the lung excision he had as a young man. His doctors have said the lung tissue removed then does not significantly affect his health. The only concern would be decreased respiratory reserve if he had a respiratory infection. In the 2020s, he was prone to bouts of influenza and bronchitis in the winter. Knee problems and sciatica have prompted him to frequently use a wheelchair, walker, or cane.[5] In 2021, the Pope's health problems prompted rumors that he might resign,[6] which Francis dismissed.[7] In June 2022, after undergoing treatment to his knee, Francis canceled planned trips to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.[8] In an interview with Reuters that month, Francis said that he had not considered resigning but would do so if his health made it impossible for him to run the church.[9] During his trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in February 2023, Francis said that resignation was "not in his agenda at the moment".[10]

In March 2023, Francis was hospitalized in Rome with a respiratory infection.[11] He returned to celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday, in April.[12] In June, Francis underwent abdominal surgery after suffering from a hernia.[13] Francis had publicly used a wheelchair since 2022, initially due to persistent knee pain which required an operation.[14][15] He acknowledged that his recurring mobility problems had precipitated the beginning of what Reuters termed "a new, slower phase of his papacy",[16] although he was praised by disabled Catholics for making his "disability part of his visible identity".[17]

On 14 February 2025, Francis entered Gemelli Hospital in Rome due to bronchitis.[18] His hospital stay was extended due to a polymicrobial infection of his respiratory tract and bilateral pneumonia.[19][20][21] Vatican News described his condition as critical and reported that he was given blood transfusions and high-flow oxygen.[22][23] On 23 February, it was announced that Francis had early-stage kidney failure, though his condition remained "under control".[24][25] On 26 February, he showed slight improvement,[26] but two days later Francis suffered a bronchial spasm, causing him to inhale vomit and require non-invasive mechanical ventilation, with the Vatican stating that his prognosis remained guarded.[27][28] On 3 March, it was reported that he had been removed from mechanical ventilation and was recovering.[29][30] The Vatican disclosed that Francis had suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory insufficiency".[31] After this episode, the third major downturn in the Pope's condition,[32] mechanical ventilation was resumed that afternoon.[33]

On 19 March, it was reported that Francis was no longer using mechanical ventilation at night, with his doctors stating that his lung infection was under control, although not eliminated.[34] He was discharged from hospital on 23 March,[35] immediately after blessing a crowd from his balcony; he was expected to spend at least two months recuperating at his home in Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City,[36] maintaining a reduced work schedule.[37][38] He appeared in public for the first time since the hospitalization on 6 April.[39]

On 20 April, a day before his death and coinciding with Easter Sunday, Francis delegated the traditional Easter mass to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, but made a surprise public appearance to bless audiences at Saint Peter's Square,[40] shortly after having met with United States Vice President JD Vance.[41][42]

## Death

[edit]

On 21 April 2025, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, read an announcement that was also broadcast on Vatican Media stating that Pope Francis had died at the age of 88 at 07:35 CEST in the Vatican City. Farrell's announcement was read from the chapel of the papal residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae.[43] It is expected that Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore according to his wishes.[44] The exact circumstances of death are currently unknown.

According to Vatican law, the 2025 papal conclave can begin at the earliest on May 6, 2025 (15 days after the sede vacante).[45]

## Reactions

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This section is in list format but may read better as prose. You can help by converting this section, if appropriate. Editing help is available. (April 2025)

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### Europe

[edit]

* French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Pope Francis, calling him a "man of humility, on the side of the most vulnerable and most fragile".[2]
* Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said "Pope Francis was in every way a man of the people".[2]
* President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said "his contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe".[2]
* Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter said Pope Francis was a "great spiritual leader, a tireless advocate for peace"[2]
* Scottish First Minister John Swinney describes him as "a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation".[2]
* Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said "this news saddens us deeply".[2]
* Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez hailed Pope Francis's commitment to the "most vulnerable".[2]
* Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk remembered Pope Francis as a "good, warm and sensitive man".[2]
* President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen: "He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate. My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss. May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world."[46]
* British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised him as "a Pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten."[47][2]

### International

[edit]

* Vice President of the United States JD Vance said on Twitter: "I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the ... homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful."[48]
* Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari said that Pope Francis would be remembered for his efforts in promoting peace, social justice, inter-faith dialogue, and the well-being of the most vulnerable communities worldwide.
* India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi says he is "deeply pained" by the passing of Pope Francis.[2]
* Egypt's President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi says Pope Francis "was a voice of peace, love and compassion".[2]
* Israeli President Isaac Herzog hails his "boundless compassion".[2]
* Argentina, which was the pope's home country ,announced 3 days of official mourning and sent condolences.[49]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Rob Harris (21 April 2025). "Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, dies aged 88". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Pope Francis dies aged 88". BBC News. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
3. ^ "Dichiarazione del Direttore della Sala Stampa della Santa Sede, Matteo Bruni". press.vatican.va. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
4. ^ "Pope Francis has died, Vatican says in video statement". Reuters. 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
5. ^ Povoledo, Elisabetta (22 February 2025). "Pope Francis in Critical Condition After 'Respiratory Crisis,' Vatican Says". New York Times. Archived from the original on 22 February 2025.
6. ^ Gagliarducci, Andrea (31 August 2021). "Analysis: What's behind rumors that Pope Francis will resign?". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
7. ^ Pullella, Philip (2 September 2021). "Pope denies resignation report, says leads normal life after surgery". Yahoo!. Reuters. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
8. ^ "Pope Francis cancels trip to Congo and South Sudan over health issues". France24. 11 June 2022. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
9. ^ Pullella, Philip (4 July 2022). "Exclusive: Pope Francis denies he is planning to resign soon". Reuters. Archived from the original on 4 July 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
10. ^ Pullella, Philip (16 February 2023). "Popes are for life, resignations should not become a fashion, Francis says". Reuters. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
11. ^ Ghiglione, Davide; Davies, Alys (29 March 2023). "Pope Francis in hospital with respiratory infection". BBC News. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
12. ^ D'Emilio, Frances (8 April 2023). "Pope Francis returns to public eye for Easter vigil Mass". AP News. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
13. ^ Betiza, Sofia; Yong, Nicholas (7 June 2023). "Pope Francis, 86, to have abdominal surgery". BBC News. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
14. ^ Giuffrida, Angela (5 May 2022). "Pope Francis uses wheelchair in public for the first time". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
15. ^ "Pope says he'll slow down or retire after relying on wheelchair and walker during Canada trip". NBC News. 30 July 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
16. ^ Pullella, Philip (30 July 2022). "Pope says that with frailty and age, he is in new phase of papacy". Reuters. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
17. ^ Hertzler-McCain, Aleja (17 August 2022). "Disabled Catholics praise pope's example in publicly using a wheelchair". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
18. ^ Lamb, Christopher; Mortensen, Antonia; Picheta, Rob (14 February 2025). "Pope Francis hospitalized for bronchitis treatment and checks, Vatican says". CNN. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
19. ^ Lamb, Christopher; Mortensen, Antonia; Braithwaite, Sharon (17 February 2025). "Pope Francis' hospital treatment dealing with 'complex clinical' condition, Vatican says". CNN. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
20. ^ "Pope has double pneumonia; condition remains 'complex'". Vatican News. 18 February 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
21. ^ Povoledo, Elisabetta (18 February 2025). "Pope Francis, Hospitalized, Has Pneumonia, Vatican Says". The New York Times. Retrieved 18 February 2025.
22. ^ Winfield, Nicole; Stellacci, Silvia (22 February 2025). "Pope Francis is in critical condition after long respiratory crisis, requiring oxygen at high flow". Associated Press.
23. ^ "Pope at Gemelli Hospital, respiratory crisis in the morning". Vatican News. 22 February 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
24. ^ "Pope Francis in critical condition with early kidney failure but remains alert as prayers pour in". CTVNews. The Associated Press. 23 February 2025. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
25. ^ "Pope Francis asks for prayers as he remains in critical condition with early kidney failure". CBS News. 23 February 2025. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
26. ^ "Pope Francis shows further slight improvement as he battles pneumonia, the Vatican says". AP News. 26 February 2025. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
27. ^ "Pope had a bronchial spasm and his prognosis remains guarded, Vatican says". AP News. 28 February 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
28. ^ Povoledo, Elisabetta (28 February 2025). "Pope Francis Suffers a Health Setback, Inhaling Vomit". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
29. ^ "Vatican issue major Pope Francis health update after key step in recovery". The Independent. 3 March 2025. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
30. ^ "Pope Francis appears to be overcoming setback in recovery from pneumonia". The Independent. 3 March 2025. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
31. ^ "Pope Francis had two episodes of 'acute respiratory insufficiency', Vatican says". Reuters. 3 March 2025. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
32. ^ Rainsford, Sarah; Howard, Jacqueline (3 March 2025). "Pope Francis 'alert' after respiratory failure, Vatican says". BBC News. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
33. ^ Giuffrida, Angela (3 March 2025). "Pope Francis suffers two episodes of 'acute respiratory failure'". The Guardian.
34. ^ "Pope no longer requires mechanical ventilation". Vatican News. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
35. ^ "Pope Francis makes first appearance from Rome hospital". BBC News. 22 March 2025. Retrieved 23 March 2025.
36. ^ Giuffrida, Angela (23 March 2025). "Pope Francis greets crowds in Rome before discharge from hospital". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
37. ^ Stancati, Margherita (23 March 2025). "Pope Francis Leaves Hospital After Weekslong Stay". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
38. ^ "Pope Francis makes first appearance from Rome hospital". BBC News. 23 March 2025. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
39. ^ "Recovering Pope Surprises Pilgrims With a Public Appearance". New York Times. 6 April 2025.
40. ^ "Pope Francis emerges from convalescence on Easter, delights crowd with popemobile tour". AP News. 20 April 2025.
41. ^ "Pope Meets With JD Vance After Criticism of Trump Administration". New York Times. 20 April 2025.
42. ^ Natanson, Phoebe; Shalvey, Kevin (20 April 2025). "Pope Francis appears for Easter Sunday blessing after meeting JD Vance at Vatican". ABC news. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
43. ^ Nicole Winfield (21 April 2025). "Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff who ministered with a charming, humble style, dies at 88". AP News. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
44. ^ "Pope Francis dies at age 88". NBC News. 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
45. ^ "Universi Dominici Gregis (February 22, 1996) | John Paul II". www.vatican.va. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
46. ^ https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/1914232707351007542
47. ^ "Prime Minister Keir Starmer 'deeply saddened' following Pope Francis' death". Sutton Guardian. 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
48. ^ https://x.com/JDVance/status/1914239114406191255
49. ^ "Murió el papa Francisco a los 88 años". www.actualidadevangelica.es. Retrieved 21 April 2025.

* v
* t
* e

Pope Francis

* Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 1936
* Archbishop of Buenos Aires (1998-2013)
* Cardinal Priest of San Roberto Bellarmino (2001-2013)
* Pope (2013-2025)

Events|

* Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI
* Conclave
* Inauguration
* People declared Servants of God
* People declared venerable
* Beatifications
* Canonizations
* Cardinals created
* Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
* Meeting with Patriarch Kirill
* Synods
* 2014
* 2015
* 2018
* 2019
* U.S.–Cuban thaw
* Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy
* Study Commission on the Women's Diaconate
* Order of Malta leadership
* Fiducia supplicans
* Death and funeral
* 2025 papal conclave

Coat of arms of Pope Francis

Visits (selected)|

* Philippines
* North America (2015)
* Kenya
* Ireland
* Baltic states
* Iraq
* Canada
* Mongolia
* Indonesia

Bibliography
(selected)|

| Constitutions
(selected)|

* Vultum Dei quaerere
* Veritatis gaudium
* Episcopalis communio
* Pascite gregem Dei
* Praedicate evangelium

|

Exhortations|

* Evangelii gaudium
* Amoris laetitia
* Gaudete et exsultate
* Christus vivit
* Querida Amazonia
* Laudate Deum

Encyclicals|

* Lumen fidei
* Laudato si'
* Fratelli tutti
* Dilexit nos

Letters (selected)|

* Misericordiae vultus
* Misericordia et misera
* Maiorem hac dilectionem
* Magnum principium
* Vos estis lux mundi
* Spiritus Domini
* Traditionis custodes

Related people|

| Papal
household|

* Alfred Xuereb, Fabián Pedacchio, Yoannis Lahzi Gaid and Gonzalo Aemilius (former personal secretaries)
* Fabio Salerno and Daniel Pellizzon (current personal secretaries)
* Guido Marini (former Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations)
* Diego Giovanni Ravelli (current Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations)
* Georg Gänswein (former Prefect of the Papal Household)

|

Cardinal
Advisers|

* Current: Fridolin Ambongo Besungu
* Sérgio da Rocha
* Oswald Gracias
* Jean-Claude Hollerich
* Gérald Lacroix
* Seán Patrick O'Malley
* Juan José Omella
* Pietro Parolin
* Fernando Vérgez Alzaga

* Former: Francisco Javier Errázuriz Ossa, Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya, George Pell, Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga (coordinator), Giuseppe Bertello, and Reinhard Marx

Episcopate|

* Benedict XVI (preceding pope)
* Mauro Gambetti (Vicar General for Vatican City)
* Baldassare Reina (Vicar General for Rome)
* Antonio Quarracino (preceding Archbishop of Buenos Aires)
* Mario Aurelio Poli (succeeding Archbishop of Buenos Aires)
* Sergio Rubin (biographer)

Related books|

* Pope Francis: Conversations with Jorge Bergoglio
* On Heaven and Earth
* Pope Francis: Life and Revolution
* The Dictator Pope

Related|

* Coat of arms
* Eponyms
* Theology
* LGBT topics
* Society of Jesus (religious order)
* Domus Sanctae Marthae (residence)
* Wake Up! (2015 album)
* Francis: Pray for Me (2015 film)
* Chiamatemi Francesco (2015 film)
* Pope Francis: A Man of His Word (2018 documentary)
* The Two Popes (2019 film)
* Francesco (2020 documentary)
* The Letter: A Message for our Earth (2022 documentary)

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