Pope Francis has died, the Vatican announced on Monday—after months of severe health ailments, including a bout of severe pneumonia—ending a more than decade-long reign during which the Roman Catholic Church witnessed several key shifts.
Pope Francis waves to the faithful during his weekly General Audience at the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City, Vatican.
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Key Takeaways
- Francis’ death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the top administrator of the office of the Holy See, who said: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
- Francis, who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires, was 88-years-old.
- Over the past two months the pope had been in the hospital for several days due to severe health ailments including a bout of bilateral pneumonia and bronchitis.
- After a 38-day hospital stay in February and March, the pope returned to his official residence and resumed some of his papal duties.
- Francis made his last public appearance less than 24 hours before his death, as he greeted cheering crowds at St. Peter’s Square while seated in his popemobile on Easter Sunday.
Crucial Quote
“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,” Farrell said in his announcement mourning the Pope’s death.
How Have World Leaders Reacted To Francis’ Death?
Several world leaders have expressed their condolences over the Pope’s passing.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on X: “This is news that grieves us deeply, because he leaves us a great man and a great pastor. I was privileged to enjoy his friendship, advice and teachings, which never failed even in times of trial and suffering…His magisterium and legacy will not be lost.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said: “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest of the poor. To unite people with one another and with nature. May this hope be resurrected unceasingly beyond him.” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted Francis’ “commitment to peace, social justice and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the pope’s “tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy.”
While President Donald Trump has not directly made a comment, the official White House X account tweeted, “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis,” and shared photos of the pope meeting the President, First Lady Melania Trump meeting him, along with a separate photo of Francis meeting Vice President JD Vance.
What Did The Pope Said In His Last Public Speech?
Francis’ last official address was delivered on Sunday during Easter celebrations. The speech addressed the war in Gaza saying, “the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction and to create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation.” He then called for an “ immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, for the release of the hostages… and for access to humanitarian aid.” The address also called for the end of other major conflicts across the world including the war in Ukraine and violence in Sudan and South Sudan.
What Happens Next?
The pope’s death will have triggered a centuries-old process of transition, which includes a funeral mass for the deceased pope and the secretive election of a new leader of the Roman catholic church. During his reign, Francis approved changes to make the funeral less elaborate, ditching a tradition that involved placing the body in three nested coffins made of cypress, lead, and oak. Francis’ body will instead be placed in a wooden and zinc coffin. Cardinal Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will take over as Vatican City’s acting sovereign while a new pope is chosen. A new pope will be elected by the College of Cardinals in a secret ballot process.
