Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday—Global Tributes Pour In

Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday

Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday—Global Tributes Pour In

DECK
The world mourns as Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, passes away in the Vatican; Argentina declares national mourning while faithful prepare to pay final respects.

---

KEY FACTS

• What: Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88.

• Where: Died at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City.

• When: Early morning, Monday, April 21, 2025.

• How: Following prolonged respiratory illness and recent hospitalization.

• Legacy: First pope from Latin America; championed the poor and social justice.

• Next Steps: Remains to be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica for public veneration; funeral details forthcoming.

---

SITUATION SNAPSHOT
A heavy silence cloaked the Vatican on Easter Monday as news of Pope Francis's death spread swiftly. Just a day prior, he had delivered an address from his residence, offering hope to thousands gathered for Easter celebrations. Now, mourners gather in stunned reverence outside the Apostolic Palace, candles flickering beneath the grey morning sky.

---

WHAT WE KNOW
The Vatican confirmed the death of Pope Francis at 07:35 local time on April 21, 2025. He had recently returned to Casa Santa Marta after spending over a month at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, where he was treated for bilateral pneumonia and complications from bronchitis.

At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, made the official announcement:
'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.'

Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, informed reporters that the Pope’s body will likely be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, for public viewing.
'The translation of the Holy Father's mortal remains to the Vatican Basilica, for the veneration of all the faithful, may take place on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, according to the arrangements that shall be determined and communicated tomorrow, following the first Congregation of the Cardinals,' Mr. Bruni said.

---

WHAT’S NEXT
Final arrangements for the funeral will be based on the updated Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, a revised liturgical guide personally approved by Pope Francis in April 2024. The guide includes changes to how a pope's remains are handled, stipulating that death be formally recognized in the chapel and the body placed in a coffin immediately afterward. Archbishop Diego Ravelli noted the Pope had requested a simplified ceremony that emphasizes resurrection and faith.

---

VOICES ON THE GROUND
In Buenos Aires, gatherings formed spontaneously following news of the Pope’s passing. In the Vatican, a mournful calm blanketed St. Peter’s Square as pilgrims knelt in prayer.

Argentina’s President Javier Milei declared a week-long national mourning period, reflecting on the late pontiff’s enduring influence.

The tributes are global. King Charles, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and U.S. Senator JD Vance—who had met the Pope the day before his death—offered condolences.

---

CONTEXT
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. He was also the first Jesuit and the first South American to ascend to the papacy.

Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992 and later Archbishop, he quickly emerged as a voice for the global South, frequently emphasizing themes of economic justice, care for the marginalized, and interfaith dialogue.

Despite his progressive stance on many issues, including the environment and migration, he often faced criticism, particularly regarding his perceived silence during Argentina’s 1976–1983 dictatorship, a time marked by widespread human rights abuses.

Throughout his life, Pope Francis endured persistent respiratory problems. He lost part of his lung in his 20s due to a severe infection and later suffered recurrent bronchial ailments. In late 2023, he canceled a planned trip to the UAE due to lung inflammation.

---

REPORTER INSIGHT
Reporting from the Vatican, the quiet among the faithful speaks volumes. Some clutch rosaries, others wipe away tears. The scent of incense and the low murmur of prayer drift through the air. Here, the presence of Pope Francis still lingers—a spiritual leader remembered not only for the position he held but for the compassion he carried to the world’s edges.