Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, just hours after making a surprise public appearance to deliver his traditional Easter blessing in St. Peter’s Square—a beautiful moment that now marks his final public act.
On Easter Sunday, the pontiff greeted thousands from St. Peter’s Basilica—the very balcony where he was first presented to the world as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013. His unexpected appearance, which included a ride in the popemobile through the piazza, was met with cheers from the crowd.
Earlier that day, he also held a private meeting at the Vatican with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo (the official who oversees the Vatican during the period between papacies) announced the pope’s passing per Vatican News:
“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.”
The Vatican Camerlengo, also confirmed on Monday that the beloved pope had died following a prolonged battle with double pneumonia, according to the New York Post.
The Pope’s Easter message was read aloud by a clergy member while Francis sat beside him. In the address, he urged for peace in conflict zones around the world, with a particular emphasis on the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others,” the message said per Newsweek.
“What a great thirst for death, for killing we see in the many conflicts raging in different parts of the world.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church from March 13, 2013, until his death on April 21, 2025. He was the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit, and the first non-European pontiff in over a millennium.
Raised in a family of Italian immigrants, Bergoglio initially trained as a chemical technician before entering the Society of Jesus in 1958. Ordained a priest in 1969. He was appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and elevated to cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II.
Upon his election as pope, he chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting his commitment to humility and care for the poor. His papacy was marked by efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy and finances, promote social justice, and address environmental issues. He also advocated for the marginalized, including migrants and the LGBTQ+ community, and worked to address the Church’s sexual abuse scandals.
Known for his modest lifestyle, Pope Francis opted to live in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the papal apartments and was often seen using public transportation. Despite facing health challenges, including chronic lung issues, he remained active in his duties until his passing
