Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and the first from Latin America, died on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88. He passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. in his residence at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City, after battling a prolonged illness.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, confirmed the news in a formal announcement broadcast two hours later from the chapel inside the papal residence.
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A Papacy of Mercy and Reform
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His historic election marked the first time a Jesuit and a non-European ascended to the papacy.
His tenure was marked by a focus on:
- Care for the poor and vulnerable
- Dialogue with other faiths
- Bold reforms in Vatican governance
- Advocacy for migrants, the environment, and human dignity
- A call for a “Church that goes forth”
He became a global symbol of humility, famously declining the opulent papal palace in favour of a modest apartment and travelling in a Ford Focus instead of the traditional Mercedes.
Timeline of Funeral Arrangements and Period of Mourning
Following the death of a pope, the Vatican enters a sede vacante (vacant seat) period, during which a new pontiff is elected. Below is a summary of the key dates and events:
🕊️ Monday, 21 April 2025
- Pope Francis dies at 7:35 a.m.
- Official announcement made around 9:30 a.m.
- The bronze doors of the Apostolic Palace are closed, symbolising the end of his papacy.
⚰️ Funeral Mass Date
- The Pope will be buried at Basilica of St. Mary Major, Rome, in accordance with his personal request.
- He will be the first pope in over a century not to be buried in the Vatican.
- The official date of the funeral mass is yet to be released, however, the Vatican notes that the funeral must take place 4-6 days after the death of the Pope, which would be between Friday 24th – Sunday 27th April.
🔔 Mourning Period
- Nine official days of mourning (novemdiales) begin on 22 April and will conclude on 30 April.
- Flags will fly at half-mast throughout Vatican City and many Catholic institutions worldwide.
Looking Ahead: The Conclave
- A conclave to elect the next pope is expected to begin between 6–11 May 2025, once all voting cardinals have gathered in Rome.
- The Sistine Chapel will be sealed, and the world will once again wait for the signal of white smoke, indicating the election of a new pontiff.
A Church in Mourning, A World in Prayer
Tributes have poured in from around the globe. Catholic leaders, world dignitaries, and ordinary faithful have united in grief and prayer for a pope who called for “a poor Church for the poor.”
His final public words during Easter Sunday’s Urbi et Orbi blessing were simple: “May the Risen Christ bring peace to all who suffer.”
🕊️ Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
READ MORE: VATICAN NEWS
