Pope Francis Dies on Easter Monday, Aged 88

He was the first pope to request burial outside of the Vatican. He also declined the customary three coffins, opting instead for a single wooden and zinc casket—symbolic of his commitment to humility

Vatican, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and first Latin American pope, died peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death was officially announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who declared, “This morning at 7:35 am, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”

The announcement was delivered via the Vatican's Telegram channel and later reiterated from the Pope’s residence in the Casa Santa Marta, where he passed away. With his death, the traditional Vatican protocols have been set in motion, including preparations for the conclave that will elect his successor. In the interim, governance of the Vatican will be overseen by Cardinal Farrell.

A Humble Reformer from Argentina

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Pope Francis was elected as the 266th pope in March 2013, following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. From the outset, Francis marked a departure from tradition, choosing simplicity over grandeur and emphasizing the pastoral mission of the Church.

He was the first pope in over a century to request burial outside of the Vatican, selecting Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore as his final resting place. He also declined the customary three coffins, opting instead for a single wooden and zinc casket—symbolic of his commitment to humility.

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis championed social justice, defended the rights of migrants, urged global action on climate change, and sought reform within Vatican governance. He confronted the clerical abuse crisis head-on and aimed to steer the Church through an era of transformation.

Nevertheless, his efforts to balance compassion with doctrinal clarity were not without controversy. Critics accused him of fostering ambiguity on issues such as abortion and divorce, and he frequently faced resistance from more conservative factions within the Church.

Health Challenges

Pope Francis battled numerous health challenges over the years. He had part of a lung removed in his youth due to a severe respiratory infection and later underwent colon surgery in 2021 and hernia surgery in 2023. He often used a wheelchair due to knee pain and experienced multiple falls in recent months.

In February 2025, he was hospitalized at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome for bronchitis, which worsened into bilateral pneumonia. After 38 days of treatment, he returned to Casa Santa Marta in March, only to pass away a few weeks later.

Despite his declining health, Francis remained active. He made public appearances, held diplomatic meetings, and even embarked on a four-nation Asia-Pacific tour in 2024. Just one day before his death, he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, energetically greeting worshippers during Easter Sunday Mass.

His final words to the public—often spoken at the end of his Angelus address—resonated with many: “Pray for me and have a good lunch.”

Funeral Plans Reflect His Pastoral Vision

Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, announced that the late Pope’s body may be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, for public veneration. Detailed arrangements for the funeral Mass will follow the first Congregation of the Cardinals on Tuesday.

In a forward-thinking move, Pope Francis had approved an updated version of the papal funeral rites in 2024.

The new edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis emphasizes simplicity and spiritual focus.

According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the Pope wished the funeral to highlight faith in the Risen Christ rather than worldly power.

“The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ, and not of a powerful person of this world.”

As the world mourns his passing, Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and commitment to the Gospel. His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of the Catholic Church—but his example will continue to inspire generations to come. (PW)

Source: Vatican News/Al-Mayadeen