Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, the Vatican announced.
His death occurred at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, confirmed the news, stating, “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.”
Just weeks before his passing, Pope Francis had been hospitalized in Rome for bronchitis. Although he was discharged on March 23, concerns about his health persisted. Despite visible signs of illness, he resumed limited duties and made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday to bless the faithful in St. Peter’s Square. That same day, he also met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance at the Vatican.
Learn more about the late pontiff, including his age at the time of death, his health history, and what comes next for the Catholic Church, below.
How Old Was Pope Francis?
Pope Francis was born on December 17, 1936, and was 88 years old at the time of his passing.
How Long Has Pope Francis Been the Pope?
Pope Francis served as the head of the Catholic Church for just over 12 years. He was elected on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, and remained in the role until his death.
Pope Francis’ Health
Since 2021, Francis’ health setbacks have fueled rumors that he would resign, which the pope denied. At the time, he underwent intestinal surgery to remove part of his colon while managing diverticulitis, a condition that causes inflammation in the colon. According to Reuters, Francis shut down the resignation rumors while speaking to the Spanish radio network COPE, noting that it “didn’t even cross [his] mind” to step down from the papacy.
By 2022, however, the rumors resurfaced once Francis had a knee condition that prevented him from carrying out some of his duties. As a result, he has been using a wheelchair and a cane ever since.
The following year, Francis was admitted to a hospital for bronchitis. He returned to celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass about a week later. Francis’ 2025 hospitalization was the second known time he needed medical attention to combat bronchitis.
According to CNN, the Argentinian leader has suffered from lung issues throughout his life. Francis previously battled a severe bout of pneumonia, the outlet reported.
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