At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, delivered a sorrowful announcement regarding the passing of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta. With a heavy heart, he addressed the faithful, stating:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with profound sorrow that I must announce the death of our beloved Holy Father Francis. At precisely 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the embrace of the Father. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to the service of the Lord and His Church. He inspired us to embody the values of the Gospel with unwavering fidelity, courageous heart, and a spirit of universal love, particularly caring for the poorest and most marginalized members of our society. With immense gratitude for his exemplary life as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, let us commend the soul of Pope Francis to the boundless merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Pope Francis was first admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after battling a serious bout of bronchitis that had persisted for several days. His clinical condition deteriorated over the following days, leading his medical team to diagnose him with bilateral pneumonia on Tuesday, February 18. Despite a determined effort to aid in his recovery, the Pope’s illness proved resilient.
After spending 38 days in the hospital under meticulous care, Pope Francis was discharged and returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery process. This homecoming, however, was shadowed by concerns over his health.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had a history of respiratory issues dating back to his youth in Argentina. In 1957, at just over 20 years old, he underwent surgery to remove a portion of his lung that was compromised due to a severe respiratory infection. As he aged, he encountered repeated episodes of respiratory illness, including a significant setback in November 2023 that forced him to cancel a planned pastoral visit to the United Arab Emirates due to influenza and lung inflammation.
In light of his ongoing health challenges, it is notable that in April 2024, Pope Francis took a significant step by approving an updated edition of the liturgical book governing papal funeral rites. This updated guide will shape the funeral Mass, the details and schedule of which have yet to be announced, as the Church prepares to honor the legacy of a Pope who devoted his life to compassion, service, and advocacy for the most vulnerable.
