The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis this morning at the age of 88. The Holy Father passed away at 7:35 a.m. at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, following a prolonged battle with respiratory illness.

The announcement was made at 9:45 a.m. by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who conveyed the solemn news with a message of reverence and remembrance.

“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,” Cardinal Farrell said. “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.”

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, had long suffered from respiratory issues. In 1957, he underwent surgery to remove a portion of his lung due to a severe infection, a condition that affected his health in later years. Most recently, he was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14, 2025, with bronchitis, which developed into bilateral pneumonia. Though he was discharged after 38 days to continue his recovery at home, his condition ultimately deteriorated.

The Vatican has not yet announced the details of the funeral Mass, but it is expected to follow the revised liturgical guidelines approved by the late pontiff in April 2024. The updated Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis introduces new elements emphasizing simplicity, humility, and the central message of resurrection in Christ.

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, confirmed that Pope Francis had requested a simplified funeral rite. “The renewed rite,” said Ravelli, “seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”

Pope Francis, elected in 2013, was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to assume the papacy. He will be remembered for his tireless advocacy for the marginalized, his emphasis on mercy, and his bold efforts to reform the Catholic Church.

The College of Cardinals is expected to meet in the coming days to begin preparations for the conclave that will elect the next Bishop of Rome.