The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis died from a cerebral haemorrhage followed by an irreversible heart failure, according to an official statement issued by the Holy See. The Supreme Pontiff passed away at 7:35 a.m. on Monday, at the age of 88, in his Vatican residence.
Pope Francis’s body is expected to be transferred on Wednesday to St. Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful will have the opportunity to pay their final respects. Since the announcement, hundreds of people have gathered in St. Peter’s Square, while world leaders have expressed their sorrow.
It is worth noting that the Pope had been discharged from the hospital on March 23 after a 37-day hospitalization due to a severe bilateral pneumonia. On Sunday, April 20, he made his final public appearance, greeting the faithful in St. Peter’s Square and delivering the Urbi et Orbi blessing. One day before his death, he held his last official meeting with U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance, which now symbolically closes his papacy.
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When did Pope Francis die?
Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025, a date that will be remembered in the history of the Catholic Church as the end of a papacy that broke many conventions and opened new paths toward a more inclusive and socially engaged Church.
What time did Pope Francis die?
According to an official Vatican statement, Pope Francis passed away at 07:35 a.m. (05:35 GMT) in his Vatican residence.
Did the Pope die on Easter Sunday?
No. Although he surprised the faithful by appearing in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, April 20, 2025 to deliver the Urbi et Orbi blessing, the Pope died the following day, on Easter Monday. It was his last public appearance.
Where did Pope Francis die?
Francis died in the Casa Santa Marta, his personal residence inside the Vatican. Unlike his predecessors, Francis chose not to live in the Apostolic Palace, as a sign of humility and simplicity.
How old was Pope Francis when he died?
The Pontiff was 88 years old at the time of his death. He was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Who was the Pope before Francis?
His predecessor was Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013 — a historic decision not seen in more than 600 years. Benedict XVI passed away on December 31, 2022.
How long was Francis Pope?
Francis served as the head of the Catholic Church for 12 years, 1 month, and 8 days, from his election on March 13, 2013, until his death on April 21, 2025.
How old was Pope Francis when he was elected?
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope at the age of 76.
When was Pope Francis elected?
The conclave that elected him concluded on March 13, 2013, making him the first Latin American Pope and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy.
Who will be the new Pope?
The election of the new Pope falls to the College of Cardinals, who will meet in the coming days to choose the next leader of the Catholic Church. Although no decision has yet been made, several names are already emerging as favorites.
When will the conclave to elect the next Pope begin?
According to tradition and ecclesiastical law, the conclave must begin between 15 and 20 days after the Pope’s death, so it is expected to commence between May 6 and May 11, 2025.
How is a new Pope elected?
The papal election is held inside the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. Only cardinals under the age of 80 (currently 138) are eligible to vote. Each vote is secret, and a two-thirds majority is required to elect a new Pontiff. If no candidate is elected in a round, the ballots are burned and black smoke is released. White smoke indicates a successful election.
How long does it take to elect a new Pope?
There is no fixed duration, but historically the process can last anywhere from one to five days, depending on the level of consensus among cardinals. The 2013 conclave that elected Francis lasted only two days.
Who are the candidates to succeed Pope Francis?
Some of the frontrunners include:
- Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70): Vatican Secretary of State, known for his diplomatic and moderate stance.
- Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, 67): close to Francis, with an inclusive vision.
- Matteo Zuppi (Italy, 69): ally of the late Pope, advocate for ecumenical dialogue.
- Peter Erdö (Hungary, 72): known for his conservative views.
- Peter Turkson (Ghana, 76): widely respected in the Global South.
- Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (DRC, 65): a conservative figure with strong support in Africa.
- Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy/Jerusalem, 60): an active diplomat in the Middle East.
Other names mentioned include Joseph Tobin (USA), Malcom Ranjith (Sri Lanka), and Willem Eijk (Netherlands).
Where will Pope Francis be buried?
Pope Francis will be buried in the St. Peter’s Crypt beneath the Vatican Basilica, in a spot designated near the tomb of Saint John Paul II. This was a personal wish expressed by the Pope during his lifetime—to rest “near the pastors who came before him.”
