Pope Francis Dies at 88 On Easter Monday
A highly emotional event in the Catholic world occurred when, on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away peacefully. He was 88 years old. The beloved Holy Father breathed his last at 7:35 AM in his residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
The Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber already made the announcement with much sorrow: “Our Holy Father Francis has returned to the house of the Father. He lived a life entirely devoted to God, spreading love, courage, and compassion, especially for the poor and those in need. His teachings will always remain with us, guiding us in faith.”
After 38 days in that hospital, he went back to rest at his residence in the Vatican, but his health did not improve very much.
Pope Francis even earlier had health problems. In 1957, when he was in his early twenties, he underwent surgery to remove part of a lung due to severe affliction from an infection in Argentina. He suffered breathing difficulties in recent years, causing him to call off official visits, including that to the UAE scheduled late 2023.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, who presides over papal ceremonies, revealed that Pope Francis was very specific about a humble funeral.
“He wanted the service to reflect his role as a shepherd, a follower of Christ-not as someone with power or fame,” the Archbishop said.
