Pope Francis Dies at 88: Vatican Prepares for Funeral Rites

The Roman Catholic Church and millions of faithful around the world are in mourning following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. on Monday morning at the Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City. He was 88.

The official announcement came from Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, just over two hours later. Addressing the faithful with a voice laden with emotion, he said, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church.”

Known for his humility, pastoral compassion, and tireless commitment to the poor and marginalized, Pope Francis leaves behind a powerful legacy as the first pontiff from the Americas and the first Jesuit Pope in history.

In a press briefing later Monday, Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, stated that arrangements were underway to transfer the Pope’s remains to St. Peter’s Basilica by Wednesday morning, April 23. “The translation of the Holy Father’s mortal remains… for the veneration of all the faithful may take place on Wednesday morning,” said Bruni. Details surrounding the funeral will be finalized after the first Congregation of Cardinals convenes on Tuesday.

The faithful will have the opportunity to pay their respects and offer prayers before his body at the Basilica, as Vatican officials prepare for a funeral that Pope Francis himself had requested to be “simplified and spiritually focused.”

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis had battled health issues since his early adulthood. At just 21 years old, he underwent a serious lung surgery due to a severe respiratory infection—a condition that continued to affect him throughout his life.

His declining health became more apparent in recent years. In November 2023, he was forced to cancel a scheduled visit to the United Arab Emirates due to lung inflammation and the flu. Then, in mid-February 2025, he was hospitalized at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic with bronchitis, which later progressed to bilateral pneumonia.

After spending 38 days in the hospital, the Pope was discharged in late March and returned to the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery. Despite the best efforts of his doctors, his condition deteriorated.

Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis reshaped the papacy with his emphasis on mercy, humility, and reform. He steered the Church through turbulent times—ranging from clergy abuse scandals to modern ethical debates—while urging the faithful to embrace compassion over dogma.

In one of his final acts of pastoral foresight, Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical guide for papal funerals. The updated rite shifts the focus of the Pope’s funeral away from pomp and ceremony, aligning it more with his vision of servant leadership and spiritual devotion.

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, shared that the new rite reflects the Pope’s wish to be remembered not as a worldly figure, but as a devoted pastor. “The renewed rite,” he said, “seeks to emphasize even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ.”