"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
Cardinal 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 suffering from respiratory problems after coming down with 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.
After 38 days in hospital, he returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.
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.
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, Vatican News