"Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta," the Vatican News service reported.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, said: "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."
Pope Francis. Photo: PAP/EPA/VATICAN MEDIA HANDOUT
As the Camerlengo, Farrell serves as the acting head of the Vatican during the period between a pope's death or resignation and the appointment of a new leader of the Catholic Church, according to US broadcaster CNN.
Irish Cardinal Kevin Farrell announces the death of Pope Francis at the Vatican City on Monday. Photo: EPA/VATICAN MEDIA HANDOUT
Farrell said of Francis, as cited by the Vatican News: "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."
The pontiff had been battling respiratory issues after a bout of double pneumonia earlier this year.
Francis, who became pope in 2013, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after experiencing difficulty breathing.
He spent 38 days in hospital before returning to his residence at the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican to continue his recovery.
In 1957, in his early 20s, Francis—then Jorge Mario Bergoglio—underwent surgery in his native Argentina to remove part of a lung due to a severe respiratory infection, according to the Vatican News.
In his later years, he frequently struggled with respiratory illnesses. In November 2023, he cancelled a planned trip to the United Arab Emirates due to influenza and lung inflammation, the Vatican News said.
Francis, pictured on February 12. Photo: PAP/Abaca
The pope's death comes just hours after he appeared in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for Easter Sunday celebrations.
Arriving in a wheelchair, he waved from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to cheering crowds and said: "Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter."
Francis waves from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Easter Sunday. Photo: EPA/ANGELO CARCONI
His traditional Easter address and blessing were read by an aide as he sat watching.
Pope Francis, pictured on Easter Sunday. Photo: EPA/ANGELO CARCONI
After the blessing, he was driven around the square. His procession paused several times so babies could be brought over for him to bless, British broadcaster BBC reported.
Photo: EPA/ANGELO CARCONI
US Vice President JD Vance was one of the last to meet with Francis briefly on Easter Sunday.
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Source: IAR, PAP, TVN24, vaticannews.va, BBC