Vatican City, April 21, 2025 – Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a figure known for his humility and dedication to the poor, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. His death, announced at 9:45 AM by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, brought an end to a papacy marked by significant reforms and a profound emphasis on social justice.
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| PHOTO: The New York times |
Cardinal Farrell’s announcement, delivered from the Casa Santa Marta, conveyed a profound sense of loss: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce 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 dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."
Pope Francis' health had been a concern for some time. He was hospitalized at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14th, 2025, for bronchitis. His condition worsened, leading to a diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia on February 18th. After 38 days of treatment, he returned to the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.
His respiratory health had been a recurring issue throughout his life. In his early twenties, he underwent surgery to remove part of a lung affected by a severe respiratory infection. In later years, he experienced frequent bouts of respiratory illness, even canceling a trip to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.
Ironically, Pope Francis had approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, in April 2024. This updated edition, which will guide his own funeral Mass, introduces several changes, including the immediate placement of the Pope's body in a coffin after the ascertainment of death, which now takes place in a chapel rather than the death chamber.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, revealed that Pope Francis had requested a simplified funeral, emphasizing the faith of the Church in the Risen Christ. "The renewed rite," Archbishop Ravelli explained, "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.”
Pope Francis’ death marks the end of a transformative papacy. His legacy extends beyond his theological contributions, encompassing his unwavering commitment to social justice, his calls for environmental stewardship, and his consistent efforts to foster dialogue and reconciliation across diverse communities. The world mourns the loss of a spiritual leader who profoundly impacted the lives of millions. The details of his funeral Mass are yet to be announced, but it is expected to reflect his deep-seated desire for simplicity and reverence.
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| VATICAN NEWS |
Vatican Seals Papal Residences Following Pope Francis' Passing
Vatican City – A somber hush fell over the Vatican on Monday evening, April 21st, 2025, as the death of Pope Francis was officially confirmed. In a ceremony steeped in centuries of tradition, the rite confirming the Pope's passing and the subsequent placement of his body into a coffin took place in the ground-floor chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, his Vatican residence.
The solemn act, lasting just under an hour, saw Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, read aloud the official declaration of death. This deeply symbolic moment marked the transition not only for the Catholic Church but also for the Vatican itself, initiating a period of mourning and the complex process of papal succession.
Beyond the immediate confirmation of death, the evening witnessed a significant procedural step: the sealing of the Pope's apartments. Seals were affixed to both the papal apartment on the third floor of the Apostolic Palace and the apartment on the second floor of Casa Santa Marta, where the Pope resided. This act, a testament to the meticulous protocols surrounding the death of a pontiff, ensures the integrity and security of the Pope's personal belongings and effects until the conclusion of the Sede Vacante period.
The sealing of the residences underscores the profound respect and reverence accorded to the deceased Pope, while simultaneously highlighting the practical necessities of preserving the sanctity and security of his personal spaces during this transitional period. The meticulousness of this procedure reflects the deep-seated traditions and the weight of history that accompany the passing of a Supreme Pontiff.
The Vatican's focus now shifts to the upcoming General Congregation of Cardinals scheduled for Tuesday morning. This crucial meeting will serve as the initial step in determining the date for Pope Francis's funeral and initiating the process of electing his successor. The world watches with bated breath as the Catholic Church embarks on this pivotal chapter.