Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Legacy of Faith, Humility, and Service
— Pope Francis passes at 87 after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of humility, faith, and devotion to the poor. His funeral follows reformed Vatican rites.
At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the passing of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta, stating:
"Dearest brothers and sisters, with profound sorrow, I must inform you of the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was devoted to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to embody the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, particularly for the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the boundless merciful love of the One and Triune God."
Pope Francis was admitted to Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14, 2025, after battling bronchitis for several days. His health deteriorated, and on February 18, doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia.
After spending 38 days in the hospital, Pope Francis returned to his Vatican residence at Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.
In his early 20s, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, later known as Pope Francis, underwent surgery in Argentina to remove part of a lung affected by a serious respiratory infection. Throughout his life, he frequently faced respiratory illnesses, even canceling a planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.
In April 2024, Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide the upcoming funeral Mass. The second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis introduces new protocols, including that the ascertainment of death occurs in the chapel, rather than the room where he passed, with the body immediately placed in the coffin.
According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, Pope Francis had requested simplified funeral rites that emphasize the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ. “The renewed rite,” Archbishop Ravelli noted, “aims to highlight that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ, rather than a powerful figure of this world.”
