Pope Francis of Rome passed away at the age of 88: Mourning has been declared in the Vatican

The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, passed away on April 21, 2025, in the morning at his residence in the Vatican, Casa Santa Marta. He was 88 years old.

The news of the Pope's death was officially announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell through Vatican television.

"Dear brothers and sisters, I am obliged to announce with deep sorrow that our beloved and holy father Francis has passed away. The Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis, returned to God at 7:35 AM local time today. He dedicated his entire life to serving God and the Church. He taught us to live with the high values of the Gospel, especially with love, loyalty, and courage for the poor and marginalized in society," the Vatican News portal reported.

Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio) was elected Pope in March 2013 and made history as the first leader from Latin America in the history of the Catholic Church. He was chosen as pope to succeed Benedict XVI, who resigned due to health reasons.

During his papacy, Francis established social justice, environmental protection, and the defense of the rights of the poor as his main tasks, gaining wide recognition and respect worldwide.

In mid-February 2025, Pope Francis was hospitalized with a bronchitis diagnosis. His condition later worsened, and he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, requiring him to be connected to a ventilator several times. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi had noted that Francis might resign if difficulties related to papal duties arose.

On March 23, Pope Francis returned to the Vatican after receiving treatment in the hospital for 38 days. On April 20, he made his last appearance before thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, warmly greeting them for the Easter holiday.

In his final speech, the Pope called for an immediate halt to military actions in the Gaza Strip, the release of Israeli hostages, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people living in Gaza. He also addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, urging all parties to "continue efforts towards achieving a just and lasting peace."

Following the death of Pope Francis, a traditional conclave is planned to be convened in the Vatican in the coming days to elect a new pope.