By Abiola Olawale
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican confirmed.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, succumbed to complications from double pneumonia, a condition that led to a 38-day hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital earlier this year.
Admitted on February 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis, the pontiff’s health deteriorated, with his medical team noting two near-fatal episodes during his stay.
Despite a brief recovery, including a public appearance at St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, where he waved to crowds and delivered a heartfelt “Happy Easter” message, his condition remained fragile.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the pontiff’s passing at 7:35 a.m., stating: “The Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His 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.”
Elected in 2013 following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis led the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics with a focus on compassion, interfaith dialogue, and social justice.
