Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and Latin American pontiff, at the age of 88, died on April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM CEST in Vatican City, ending a 12‑year papacy marked by humility, social justice advocacy, and internal Church reforms. His death, announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a video statement, followed a prolonged battle with double pneumonia and multiple respiratory crises during a 38‑day hospital stay.
The Vatican will observe a nine‑day mourning period with simplified funeral rites, culminating in a burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Global leaders and the faithful have already begun pouring in tributes, while the College of Cardinals prepares for the sede vacante and subsequent conclave as governed by Universi Dominici Gregis.
Pope Francis Death Announcement
On Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM CEST (UTC+02:00), Pope Francis passed away at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City, as confirmed by the Vatican. At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo, read a video statement on Vatican Media, declaring, “The Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father”.
Circumstances and Cause of Death
Pope Francis had been hospitalized on February 10, 2025, at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for double pneumonia. During his 38‑day stay, he suffered four acute respiratory crises, including a near‑fatal incident on February 28.
Funeral Rites of Pope Francis
In November 2024, Pope Francis approved simplified ceremonial rites for his own funeral, replacing the traditional triple‑coffin arrangement with a single zinc‑lined wooden casket and eliminating elaborate ceremonies.
The Vatican will observe the nine‑day of mourning known as Novendiale, during which the Pope’s body lies in state, and faithful are invited to pay respects without viewing his remains on a raised platform. The funeral is scheduled between April 25 and April 27, 2025, under the supervision of the College of Cardinals, with exact timing to be confirmed after consultations.
Global Reactions
Leaders worldwide, including heads of state, religious figures, and civil society icons, have expressed sorrow and gratitude for Francis’s moral leadership, environmental advocacy, and dedication to the marginalized.
In Rome, church bells tolled across the city at noon on April 21, 2025, accompanied by a moment of silence in St. Peter’s Square. Messages from the United Nations, European Union, and numerous national governments highlighted his impact on issues ranging from climate change to economic inequality.
Conclave and Succession Process
Following the Novendiale, the College of Cardinals will convene in general congregations to finalize funeral logistics and discuss the rules for the conclave as outlined in Universi Dominici Gregis. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, and they will gather in the Sistine Chapel for a secret‑ballot election to choose the 267th Pope. The conclave is expected to begin no earlier than April 28, 2025, subject to the completion of preliminary congregations and security arrangements.
A Brief timeline of the events related to the death of Pope Francis
- February 10, 2025 – Pope Francis hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital for double pneumonia
- February 28, 2025, approx. 3 PM CET – Critical respiratory failure incident; near‑fatal vomiting aspiration
- April 20, 2025, 10 AM CEST – Last public appearance and Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica
- April 21, 2025, 7:35 AM CEST – Pope Francis dies at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City
- April 21, 2025, 9:45 AM CEST – Official death announcement by Cardinal Kevin Farrell via video statement
- April 21–29, 2025 – Nine‑day Novendiale mourning period in Vatican City
- April 25–27, 2025 – Scheduled pontifical funeral and burial at Santa Maria Maggiore
- April 28, 2025 (tentative) – Conclave begins in the Sistine Chapel