Pope Francis Dies at 88, Vatican Confirms (2025)

Pope Francis, who became Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced.

The pontiff struggled with health issues in recent years and had occasionally canceled appearances at the last minute.

His death was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement released by the Vatican.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Farrell said.

“At 7:35 a.m. this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”

In recent years, Pope Francis’ papacy was increasingly shaped by concerns over his health. From hospital stays to missed public events, the 88-year-old battled a series of serious illnesses in the final stretch of his life.

On Feb. 14, he was hospitalized for bronchitis, later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. Tests showed anemia and mild kidney failure following a prolonged respiratory crisis that required high-flow oxygen.

As his condition remained “complex,” thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square and outside Rome’s Gemelli hospital to pray and leave tributes.

Francis made a surprise appearance on March 23 after a 38-day stay, waving to crowds from a hospital balcony. Doctors said he would continue oxygen support, oral medication, and physiotherapy.

He was last seen publicly during the Easter Sunday Service.

Moreover, on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis allowed a brief 17-minute visit with US Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican. The pontiff exchanged holiday greetings with Vance and spoke briefly about migrants, global conflicts, and the US church’s role.

The Vatican described their interaction as an “exchange of opinions,” touching on migration, refugees, and the war in Ukraine. Before parting, Francis gifted Vance’s three children large chocolate Easter eggs.

Though he didn’t deliver his Urbi et Orbi address in person, the pope’s Easter message included a call to reject fear-based politics and use “weapons of peace” to build a better future - an indirect rebuke of past U.S. policies toward migrants and foreign conflicts.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Francis was the first Latin American pope, and the first Jesuit to hold the role. Nicknamed the “People’s Pope,” he championed refugees, the poor, and interfaith dialogue.

Francis stirred global conversations with his progressive tone - welcoming LGBTQ believers with the phrase, “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge them?” - while also maintaining traditional stances on issues like abortion and gender identity, particularly in his 2024 signing of Dignitas Infinita.

He spent much of his later years in a wheelchair or using a cane due to mobility issues and chronic bronchitis. In 2022, he hinted at resignation, following the precedent of his predecessor Benedict XVI.

An estimated 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide now mourn the passing of a pope.