Pope Francis dies aged 88
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 at his residence Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican has announced.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Vatican spokesperson Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement on Easter Monday.
“At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.”
"He will be remembered for his love for life, hope for peace, compassion for equality & social justice"
The Pope had greeted crowds in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, saying “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.” His traditional Easter address was delivered by a clergy member.
He was discharged from hospital last month after five weeks of treatment for an infection that led to double pneumonia.
“Europe mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” European Parliament president Roberta Metsola posted on X. She said he would be remembered “for his love for life, hope for peace, compassion for equality & social justice. May he rest in peace.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina to Italian parents, Francis became the first Pope from South America in March 2013. He was the first Jesuit to become Pope, the first Pope from the southern hemisphere and the first non-European Pope in almost 1,300 years.
In 2005, after the death of John Paul II, Francis was considered the moderate rival of Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI. He eventually became Pope at the age of 76, surprising many observers who considered him too old to succeed a man who had resigned because of his advanced age.
Social justice
Francis saw his role, and that of the Church, as a missionary among the people. Even as a priest, he regularly visited the slums of Buenos Aires. He spoke out for social justice and against unbridled capitalism and repeatedly advocated action in the fight against global warming.
At the end of 2023, the Vatican allowed priests to bless same-sex relationships, although a blessing is not equivalent to the sacrament of marriage and is a favour, not a right that believers can claim.
During his pontificate, he paid a lot of attention to the poor and refugees, but Rome’s positions on abortion and celibacy have changed little in recent years. A visit to Belgium in September 2024 was overshadowed by sexual abuse within the Church and his comments on doctors who carry out abortions, who he called “contract killers”.
The issue of abuse in the Church was central to Francis’ visit to Belgium. He mentioned sexual abuse on several occasions, including during a two-hour meeting with 15 victims. In a speech at the Palace, he deviated from his prepared text and said the Church should be ashamed and ask for forgiveness. Belgian bishops were advised “not to cover up abuse and to condemn abusers”.
Pope Francis greets crowds following the Easter Mass in St Peter's Square, 20 April 2025 © PHOTO VATICAN MEDIA / CPP / HANS LUCAS
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