Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church since 2013, has died
According to today’s edition of the newspaper Público, in an article by Sónia Sapage and Natália Faria, the news of the death was confirmed by the Vatican – Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church since 2013, died this Monday at the age of 88.
The announcement was made by Camerlengo Kevin Farrell directly from the Chapel of the Santa Marta House, with the following words:
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
Francis had been hospitalized in very serious condition but was discharged about a month ago. Yesterday, on Easter Sunday, he delivered a message to the faithful in a brief appearance on the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, wishing “Happy Easter to all.”
If his wishes are fulfilled — as described in his autobiography published this January (the first by a Pope to be released during his lifetime) — Francis will not be buried at St. Peter’s, but rather at Santa Maria Maggiore.
“I was told everything is ready,” he told editor Carlo Musso, co-author of Hope, explaining that since “the funeral ritual was too heavy,” he spoke with the master of ceremonies to “lighten it up.”
“No platform, no ceremony for the sealing of the coffin,” he added, expressing his wish to die “with dignity, but like any other Christian.”
“I just asked the Lord for one more grace: ‘Take care of me, let it be as You will, but You know, I’m somewhat afraid of physical pain… So, please, let it not hurt too much,’” he added.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and was chosen to succeed Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI) as the leader of the Catholic Church in March 2013. At that time, Francis became the first Jesuit to lead a Church with over a billion faithful.
Francis’s health had been fragile for several years, leading to at least three hospitalizations since 2023.
In the past month, the Vatican reported that the Pope initially received medical care for a respiratory infection (bilateral pneumonia), which progressively worsened.
He later suffered an asthma attack and a kidney infection, with his condition shifting from “critical” with a “guarded prognosis” to “complex,” with occasional improvements.
Despite his weakened condition, he remained active to the limit of his strength, participating in audiences and religious ceremonies whenever possible.
On one of the last Sundays, Portuguese Cardinal Tolentino de Mendonça led the Angelus prayer — a decision made by Francis.
Francis was elected Pope following the historic resignation of Benedict XVI and quickly stood out for his simple style and his call for a more inclusive and dialogical Church.
In the coming days, funeral ceremonies will take place, following the traditional protocol for the death of a Pope.
Francis’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica before the funeral, which is expected to be attended by dignitaries from around the world.
As the mourning period begins, the College of Cardinals is preparing for the conclave that will elect Pope Francis’s successor.
