- Pope Francis passed away at age 88 on April 21, 2025, at his Vatican residence.
- His funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
- The public can pay respects as the Pope lies in state from Wednesday through Friday.
Pope Francis Passes Away at 88
Pope Francis, the first Latin American and non-European pope in over 1,200 years, died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within the Vatican. According to the Vatican, his death was caused by a stroke and heart failure, following a period of declining health that included hospitalization for pneumonia earlier in the year.
Funeral Arrangements and Public Viewing
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis’ funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will lead the funeral Mass, which will be attended by cardinals, bishops, priests, and world leaders from around the globe.
Before the funeral, the Pope’s body will be transferred from his residence to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning, April 23. The public will be able to visit and pay their respects from Wednesday through Friday, with the basilica open for extended hours during this period.
Global Mourning and Legacy
Pope Francis was widely admired for his humility, progressive leadership, and advocacy for the poor and marginalized. His passing has prompted official mourning periods in countries such as Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Lebanon, and India. Memorial services are being held worldwide, and many political and religious leaders are expected to attend the funeral.
After the funeral Mass, the Pope’s body will be entombed at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, concluding the official nine days of mourning known as the Novemdiales.
"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." — Cardinal Kevin Farrell
Pope Francis leaves a lasting impact on the Catholic Church and the world, remembered for his compassion, reforms, and efforts to bring the Church closer to people of all backgrounds.
