Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, marking the end of a transformative era in the Catholic Church. His death was confirmed by the Vatican on Easter Monday, April 14, at his Vatican City residence, Casa Santa Marta.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced that the Holy Father passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. The late pontiff had just made a public appearance for Easter Mass the day before, despite ongoing health struggles.
The Church has now entered a period of sede vacante, triggering the centuries-old process of selecting a new pope through a conclave of cardinals in the Sistine Chapel. Speculation has already begun over potential successors, with ten names surfacing as possible contenders, including Cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle, Pietro Parolin, and Peter Turkson.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was the first Jesuit and South American pope. His papacy, which began in 2013, was noted for its emphasis on humility, social justice, and outreach to the marginalised.
Despite ongoing health concerns, including a history of respiratory illness and a lung surgery in his youth, he remained active until his final days.
In the past year, he had battled bronchitis and pneumonia, leading to multiple hospitalisations. Reports noted his health had declined steadily after being discharged in late February following a 38-day stay at Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic.
In anticipation of this moment, Pope Francis approved an updated funeral liturgy in April 2024.
The revised rite, according to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, reflects the pope’s wish for a simple ceremony focused on Christian faith and pastoral humility.
