Vatican City — As the Caribbean and other regions celebrated Easter Monday, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis, leader of the Roman Catholic Church, at the age of 88.
The somber news was delivered by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, from the late pontiff’s residence at Casa Santa Marta.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Farrell said. “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 praised the Pope’s legacy of championing the poor and marginalized, and called him “a true disciple of the Lord Jesus.”
The announcement reverberated across the Catholic world, including in the Caribbean, where Pope Francis remained a beloved and transformative figure. Many Caribbean churches held Easter Monday services with added prayers of mourning and remembrance.
Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, said the late Pope’s body will likely be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, for public veneration. “The translation of the Holy Father’s mortal remains to the Vatican Basilica… may take place on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, according to the arrangements that shall be determined and communicated tomorrow,” Bruni told journalists.
Pope Francis had been battling recurring respiratory issues for years. On February 14, he was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital after several days of bronchitis. His condition worsened on February 18, when doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia. After spending 38 days in hospital, he returned to the Vatican to continue his recovery, but his health declined in the weeks that followed.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Argentine pontiff made history in 2013 as the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to be elected to the papacy. His decades-long struggle with lung problems began in 1957, when he had part of his right lung removed due to a serious infection.
Despite declining health in recent years, Pope Francis remained active in church affairs. In April 2024, he approved a new version of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the official liturgical text for papal funerals. The updated edition, which will guide his own funeral Mass, emphasizes simplicity and the resurrection of Christ over pageantry and power.
“The renewed rite,” explained Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, “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.”
Funeral details, including the date of the Mass and the period of mourning, are expected to be announced following the first General Congregation of the Cardinals.
