On April 21, 2025 (Easter Monday), His Holiness Pope Francis, aged 88, was pronounced deceased at 7:35 a.m. Central European Summer Time (5:35 a.m. GMT), as formally announced by the Holy See.
In the days preceding his passing, the Supreme Pontiff engaged in public ministry, including a final appearance on Easter Sunday wherein he delivered a benediction to assembled faithful in St. Peter’s Square and participated in a ceremonial procession via the Popemobile. Said appearance occurred approximately one month following his release from medical care under a classification of “protected discharge” due to a bout of bilateral pneumonia.
Earlier on the same day, His Holiness convened in a private and informal capacity with United States Vice President JD Vance at the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican jurisdiction.
The announcement of the Holy Father’s passing was conveyed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, serving as Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who in an official communique stated: “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 God, One and Triune.”
The Holy See acknowledges that Pope Francis dedicated the entirety of his ecclesiastical life to the service of God and the universal Church. Further proceedings regarding the sede vacante and subsequent papal conclave shall be governed in accordance with Universi Dominici Gregis.#newsafro_
