Pope Francis Dies at 88: Vatican Confirms With Heartfelt Statement
Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away this Monday morning at the age of 88.
RELATED:Pope Francis Suffers 2 Acute Respiratory Crises
The somber announcement came from Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s camerlengo, who shared a touching message, capturing attention from Catholics and non-Catholics worldwide.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 a.m. 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 His Church.”
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. 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.”
Of course, this morning’s news has shook up the world not just because a major religious figure is gone, but because this man reshaped how the world views the Church.
Just Days After Meeting With U.S. VP, Pope Francis Dies at 88
Just one day before his passing, Pope Francis had a closed-door meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, followed by his traditional Easter address. Although it was known he got out of the hospital and was in recovery, it was said that he appeared frail but spoke with strength. A final sign of the faith that kept him going for 88 years.
As we previously reported, Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025, for a respiratory infection that developed into double pneumonia. He spent a total of 38 days there, marking the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.
His health struggles had been public for years, but this time, the world hoped and prayed it would be another miraculous comeback. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen this time.
The Legacy Left Behind After Pope Francis Dies at 88
From the very beginning of his papacy in 2013, Pope Francis came in different. He was riding dirty in a modest Fiat, talking about climate change, same-sex civil unions, and the importance of loving your neighbor; regardless of who they are or where they come from.
That kind of leadership shook the Vatican’s core and inspired a new generation of believers, skeptics, and social justice warriors. Francis didn’t just preach; he practiced.
Some of his most notable moves:
—Advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, while maintaining Church teachings
— Standing up for the environment, becoming the first Pope to issue an encyclical on climate change
— Visiting prisons, refugee camps, and war-torn regions
— Calling out capitalism’s greed and pushing for economic justice
What’s Next? Vatican Prepares To Elect A New Leader As Pope Francis Dies at 88
With his passing, the Catholic Church enters a “sede vacante”. This means the seat is vacant. The centuries-old process to elect a new pope now begins. Cardinals from across the globe will descend upon Rome for what’s known as the conclave, where they’ll pray, debate, and ultimately vote on who should wear the white cassock next.
It’s a sacred, secretive ceremony. No phones. No leaks. Just faith, politics, and prayer under the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
This moment marks the end of a progressive era but also the start of a new chapter that’ll be shaped by what Pope Francis left behind: a challenge to the Church to do better, love harder, and speak up louder for those often left out.
Pope Francis will be greatly missed.
