Pope Francis dies at the Vatican, aged 88

The Catholic Herald• April 21, 2025

The Holy Father has died at the age of 88. Pope Francis went to his eternal reward at 7.35 am Rome time at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, released the following statement: “At 7.35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. 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.”

A pope of many firsts, he was the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from the Americas, and the first from the southern hemisphere. He was also the first non-European pontiff since Gregory III.

On February 14, he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital with bronchitis. On February 22, he experienced a respiratory crisis, and his condition was deemed critical. On February 23, he was diagnosed with early-stage kidney failure, further complicating his recovery. On February 28, he suffered a bronchial spasm, and on March 3 he had two serious episodes in which he struggled to breathe and doctors had to clear mucus from his lungs. On March 23, he was discharged from hospital after a five-week stay and continued his recovery at Domus Sanctae Marthae (St Martha’s House) in Vatican City, with instructions to rest.

He seemed to be making a remarkable recovery, and appeared multiple times to greet crowds, despite being advised by doctors to observe a two-month period of rest. His last public appearance was on April 20, Easter Sunday, when he delivered the Urbi et Orbi Easter blessing.

His final message to the world, characteristically, called for peace. Referencing the Israel-Hamas conflict, he said: “Call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.”

Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, was one of the first world leaders to pay tribute, stating: “This news saddens us deeply. I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship. He asked the world, once again, for the courage to change direction, to follow a path that does not destroy, but cultivates, repairs, protects.

“His teachings and his legacy will not be lost. We greet the Holy Father with hearts full of sadness, but we know that he is now in the peace of the Lord.”

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and Archbishop of Westminster, released the following statement:

“The death of Pope Francis brings great sadness to so many around the world, both within the Catholic Church and in societies in general. A voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being, especially those who are poor or marginalised, is now silent. The legacy he leaves is one we must seek to carry forward and strengthen.

“Pope Francis was called to priesthood through his experience of the mercy and compassion of God. This remained the core of his ministry, as Priest, Bishop and Pontiff. Only in understanding the love and mercy of God towards each one of us can we fashion societies and communities that bear the mark of the ‘kingdom of God’.

“This same focus and emphasis lay at this desire to see membership of the Church as being rooted in ‘missionary discipleship’, a dynamic and powerful vision for every Christian and every community.

“Now we pray for the repose of his soul, that he may know, in full measure, the merciful and loving embrace of the Father, of the one God to whom he gave his life in unstinting service.
“May he now rest in peace and rise in glory.”

His Majesty the King later added his own voice to the tributes, saying: “My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.

“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.

“His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.”

Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, said that “Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost the faith-fuelled hope of a better world.

“That hope was at the heart of his papacy. His determination to visibly live out his faith inspired people across the world to see afresh the church’s teachings of mercy and charity. With his death, we are reminded once more of his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs.”

US President Donald Trump, whose relationship with the Vatican has been strained in recent months, was brief in his tribute, writing: “Rest in peace Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him!” His vice president JD Vance, however, who met Pope Francis the day before he died, wrote at more length.

Writing on X, he wrote: “I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill… May God rest his soul.”