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Pope Francis Passes on Easter Monday at Age 88, Process Begins to Elect New Pontiff

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The Vatican has reported that Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death occurred at 7:35 AM at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, inside the Vatican, following complications from a stroke and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, delivered the solemn announcement at 9:45 AM from the Vatican:

“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.”

Later in the day, Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, announced that the late pontiff’s body may be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, for public veneration.

“The translation of the Holy Father’s mortal remains to the Vatican Basilica, for the veneration of all the faithful, may take place on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, according to the arrangements that shall be determined and communicated tomorrow, following the first Congregation of the Cardinals,” Bruni told reporters.

Also read: Easter Around the Table: Traditional Treats Worldwide

Medical Report Confirms Stroke and Heart Failure

An official medical report released by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, confirmed the cause of death. According to the document, Pope Francis suffered a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.

Dr. Arcangeli further noted the pope’s preexisting health issues, including acute respiratory failure from multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, hypertension, and Type II diabetes.

“I hereby declare,” wrote Dr. Arcangeli, “that the causes of death, to the best of my knowledge and judgment, are as stated above.”

A Time of Mourning and Transition

With the pope’s passing, the Vatican has now entered the “Papal Interregnum,” the period between the death of one pope and the election of another. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, an Irish-born naturalized American citizen, has assumed interim leadership of the Vatican in his role as camerlengo. On Monday afternoon, he sealed the Papal Apartment in the Apostolic Palace — a symbolic gesture marking the end of Francis’ papacy.

While Francis preferred to live in the Casa Santa Marta rather than the traditional Papal Apartment, the act remains a deeply rooted part of Vatican tradition, historically intended to protect the pope’s private quarters and signal the beginning of mourning.

The mourning period includes the Novendiales — nine days of memorial rites — during which Francis will lie in state for several days. His body is expected to be placed in a simple coffin, with the faithful invited to pay their respects at St. Peter’s Basilica, potentially starting Wednesday.

A Humble Final Wish

Pope Francis had expressed his desire for a simple burial. According to his will, he requested to be interred in the earth, in a modest grave at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

“The tomb must be on earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus,” read the statement accompanying his final wishes. An unnamed benefactor is said to be covering the expenses of the burial.

The Road to Electing a New Pope

The pope’s death has triggered the centuries-old process of electing a new pontiff. All cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, currently numbering 136, though tradition limits voting participants to a maximum of 120.

The College of Cardinals will convene in a conclave inside the Sistine Chapel no earlier than 15 and no later than 20 days after the pope’s death, unless all cardinals arrive in Rome ahead of schedule.

During the conclave, cardinals will cast secret paper ballots in multiple voting rounds until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority. The process can include up to four votes per day, punctuated by breaks for prayer and reflection. Though technically any baptized Catholic male can be elected pope, it has been customary for the pope to be chosen from among the cardinals — the last exception being Urban VI in 1379.

Once a successor is chosen, he will be announced to the world with the traditional Latin declaration: “Habemus Papam.”

Global Reaction and Legacy

As preparations unfold, tributes to Pope Francis are expected worldwide, particularly in Buenos Aires, where he once served as Archbishop, and in Catholic communities shaped by his papacy’s focus on humility, social justice, and environmental care.

His death marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church — one where Francis consistently emphasized mercy, inclusivity, and a Church that walks with the poor. A global funeral Mass at St. Peter’s Square is anticipated in the coming days, likely drawing world leaders and millions of mourners from every continent.