Vatican City, April 21, 2025 — On Easter Monday, a day traditionally filled with hope and resurrection, the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis. At the age of 88, the beloved pontiff died peacefully at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within the Vatican.
The announcement came at 9:45 AM from Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who addressed the world with solemn words:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father… With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, had long battled recurring respiratory issues, dating back to a 1957 surgery in his early 20s that removed part of his lung. His fragile lungs remained a challenge throughout his papacy, and he was hospitalized in February 2025 with bilateral pneumonia following a bout of bronchitis.
After 38 days in the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital, he returned to the Vatican to continue his recovery, but his health deteriorated once again, leading to his death this Easter week — a time deeply symbolic in the Christian faith.
Pope Francis made history as the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to take the name “Francis,” inspired by St. Francis of Assisi and his mission to serve the poor and marginalized. Throughout his papacy, he became a voice for compassion, environmental stewardship, interfaith dialogue, and reform within the Catholic Church.
Known for his humility and connection to ordinary people, Pope Francis chose to live in the modest Casa Santa Marta guesthouse rather than the grand Apostolic Palace. He often preached about mercy, walked among the poor, and emphasized the Church’s role as a “field hospital” for the wounded.
In April 2024, Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis — the liturgical guide for papal funerals. True to his spirit, the updated rites reflect simplicity and a deep focus on faith in the Resurrection. Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, confirmed that the Pope personally requested his funeral avoid grandeur and instead highlight the Church’s belief in eternal life through Christ.
“The renewed rite,” said Ravelli, “seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ, not of a powerful person of this world.”
The details of the funeral Mass are expected to be announced soon. As the world prepares to bid farewell, Pope Francis will be remembered not for his titles, but for the way he touched hearts — with tenderness, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
He has now gone to the One he spent his life pointing others toward. May he rest in the eternal peace he so often preached.
KIGALI TIMES