Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died peacefully at 7:35 a.m. at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City. The news of his death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, in a video statement on the Vatican’s TV channel.
In his statement, Cardinal Farrell paid tribute to the late pope, saying, “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.” The Cardinal highlighted Pope Francis’s commitment to living the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.
The Pope had been suffering from health issues, including a chronic lung condition, and had recently recovered from double pneumonia. He was hospitalized for 38 days in February and March 2025 due to a severe respiratory illness. Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis made a surprise public appearance on Easter Sunday, blessing audiences at Saint Peter’s Square, just a day before his passing.
World leaders have paid tribute to the Pope, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, who expressed his condolences to the Catholic community, recalling his meetings with Pope Francis and praising his commitment to inclusive development. Other leaders, such as President Emmanuel Macron of France and Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, have also paid tribute to the Pope’s legacy.
Pope Francis’s body has been dressed in white and placed in his private chapel for a private prayer with the camerlengo, Vatican officials, and the Pope’s family. He will later be dressed in red vestments and placed in a wooden coffin lined with zinc. According to his wishes, he is expected to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. A papal conclave is expected to begin on May 6, 2025, to elect his successor.
Reported by Joy Makande
Lilongwe
