Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church known for his humility, passed away at 88 after a battle with pneumonia, leaving behind a transformed papacy and funeral rites that reflect his lifelong commitment to simplicity.
At a Glance
- Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at age 88 in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta following complications from bronchitis
- His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who highlighted the Pope’s dedication to the Gospel values and service to the poor
- Francis had revised his own funeral rites in April 2024, emphasizing his role as pastor rather than worldly leader
- The Pope’s body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on April 23 for public veneration
- His simplified funeral rituals reflect his lifelong commitment to humility and focus on Christ
A Humble Shepherd’s Final Journey
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died at 7:35 AM on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. The 88-year-old pontiff had been hospitalized on February 14, 2025, with bronchitis that eventually developed into bilateral pneumonia. After 38 days of hospital care, he had returned to his residence to continue recovery, but ultimately succumbed to complications from his respiratory illness. The pontiff had a history of respiratory problems dating back to 1957, when he underwent surgery in Argentina to remove part of a lung due to a severe infection.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell delivered the news of the Pope’s passing in a solemn announcement that emphasized Francis’s lifelong dedication to the Church. The Vatican confirmed that the Pope’s body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, for public veneration, following the protocols outlined in the revised funeral rites that Francis himself had approved just a year before his death. The timing of his passing—the day after Easter celebrations—has been noted as poignant, coming after he had delivered his final blessing to the faithful.
Pope Francis has passed away. Listen to the latest episode of Bloomberg News Now for the highlights of his life and legacy. https://t.co/0HrMG2Stta
— Bloomberg (@business) April 21, 2025
The Final Reform: Revising Papal Funeral Rites
In April 2024, Pope Francis approved a significant update to the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis—the liturgical book governing papal funeral rites. This revision represented one of his final reforms, aligning funeral procedures with his vision of a humble church focused on Christ rather than worldly pomp. The changes emphasized the Pope’s fundamental role as a pastor and disciple of Christ, rather than as a powerful world figure. The revised rites maintain traditional elements while introducing modifications that reflect Francis’s consistent call for simplicity in church matters. “The renewed rite 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.”, stated Archbishop Diego Ravelli.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, who oversees papal liturgical ceremonies, had noted when the changes were announced that they reflected Pope Francis’s desire to streamline ceremonies and emphasize faith in the Risen Body of Christ. These modifications include changes to how the Pope’s remains are handled and presented.
The revisions represent a continuation of Francis’s efforts throughout his papacy to shift focus from the trappings of office to the core message of the Gospel, particularly emphasizing care for the marginalized, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue.
A Legacy of Humility and Renewal
Pope Francis’s pontificate, which began in March 2013, was marked by efforts to reform church governance, increase transparency, and emphasize mercy in pastoral practice. He consistently rejected many traditional papal luxuries, choosing to live in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace and using simpler vestments than his predecessors. His final reform of funeral procedures represents a fitting capstone to a papacy characterized by such gestures of humility and attempts to bring the church closer to its evangelical roots.
According to the official statement of Cardinal Kevin Farrell: “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. 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. 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.”
As the Catholic Church begins the solemn process of mourning Pope Francis and preparing to select his successor, his final instructions for his own funeral stand as a testament to his lifetime of service and his vision for the church. The simplified ceremonies that will mark his farewell reflect the same humility that characterized his approach to the papacy—focusing not on the person who held the office, but on the message of Christ that he sought to embody and proclaim throughout his lifetime of service to the faithful.
