Pope Francis dies at 88

Early this morning, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, solemnly announced the passing of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta, marking the end of a transformative papacy that touched hearts worldwide.

"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. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of 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. 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."

The 88-year-old pontiff's passing follows a prolonged battle with respiratory illness that began on February 14, 2025, when he was admitted to Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital with bronchitis. His condition deteriorated as doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on February 18. After 38 days of intensive care—during which he experienced several critical respiratory crises—the Holy Father returned to the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery, maintaining his characteristic resilience until the end.

The first Jesuit and the first cleric from Latin America to be elected pope, Francis brought a new voice to the global Church—one rooted in humility, pastoral care, and a deep concern for the world's most vulnerable.

In a decision reflecting his lifelong commitment to simplicity, Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis in April 2024, revising the traditional papal funeral rites. These modifications, which will guide his own funeral ceremony, emphasize the Christian message of resurrection over worldly pomp. According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, "The renewed rite seeks to emphasize even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world"—an ethos that defined Francis's revolutionary papacy.

The revised protocol specifies that the Pope's body will be placed directly into the coffin after the ascertainment of death in the chapel, rather than following previous tradition of lying in state in the room where he died. The Vatican is expected to announce funeral arrangements shortly.

Pope Francis's papacy, characterized by his advocacy for environmental stewardship, interfaith dialogue, and the marginalized, leaves an indelible mark on both the Catholic Church and the world. As the faithful mourn his passing, they celebrate a life dedicated to mercy, humility, and the authentic witness of Christ's love for all humanity.