Pope Francis Passes Away at 87, Marking the End of an Era in the Catholic Church

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, solemnly announced the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis from Casa Santa Marta at 9:45 AM today. The Pope died earlier in the morning at 7:35 AM at the age of 87.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Farrell said in his official statement. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, had been battling respiratory complications over the past several weeks. He was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14, 2025, following a prolonged episode of bronchitis. His condition deteriorated when he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia on February 18.

Despite intensive treatment and a 38-day hospital stay, Pope Francis returned to his Vatican residence at Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery. However, his health continued to decline.

His health challenges were not new. In 1957, as a young man in Argentina, he underwent surgery to remove part of a lung due to a severe infection. Over the years, the late pontiff frequently struggled with respiratory illnesses, including an episode in 2023 that led to the cancellation of a planned visit to the United Arab Emirates.

A few months before his passing, in April 2024, Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical text guiding the funeral rites of a pope. The updated version emphasizes simplicity and spiritual reflection over ceremonial grandeur.

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, shared that Pope Francis had personally requested that his funeral rites remain humble, focused on Christ rather than worldly power. “The renewed rite,” Archbishop Ravelli explained, “seeks to emphasize even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ.”

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon, guided by the revised rites approved by Pope Francis himself. His legacy as a humble, reform-minded leader and advocate for the marginalized will endure long after his passing.