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Death and funeral of Pope Francis

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Death and funeral of Pope Francis
Francis in June 2024
Date21 April 2025 (2025-04-21) (death)
LocationDomus Sanctae Marthae, Vatican City (death)

Pope Francis died at the age of 88 years on 21 April 2025 (Easter Monday) at 07:35 CEST (UTC+02:00) at his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City.[1][2] His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a broadcast by Vatican Media and in a video statement at 09:47, two hours after his death.[3][4][5] Francis had served as pope, the head of the Catholic Church, since his election on 13 March 2013.

Francis's death followed a five-week stay in hospital a month earlier, where he suffered from a respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia.[6][7] The cause of his death was officially registered as a stroke.

Background

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Elected in March 2013 at the age of 76, Francis was then reported to be healthy despite having suffered from chronic lung damage, due in part to the lung excision he had as a young man. His doctors had said the lung tissue removed then would not significantly affect his health. The only concern would be decreased respiratory reserve if he had a respiratory infection. In the 2020s he was prone to bouts of influenza and bronchitis in the winter. Knee problems and sciatica had prompted him to frequently use a wheelchair, walker, or cane.[8]

In 2021, Francis's health problems prompted rumours that he might resign,[9] which Francis dismissed.[10] In June 2022, after undergoing treatment to his knee, Francis cancelled planned trips to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.[11] In an interview with Reuters that month, Francis said that he had not considered resigning but would do so if his health made it impossible for him to run the Church.[12] During his trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in February 2023, Francis said that resignation was "not in his agenda at the moment".[13]

In March 2023, Francis was hospitalized in Rome with a respiratory infection.[14] He returned to celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday, in April.[15] In June Francis underwent abdominal surgery after suffering from a hernia.[16] Francis had publicly used a wheelchair since 2022, initially due to persistent knee pain which required an operation.[17][18] He acknowledged that his recurring mobility problems had precipitated the beginning of what Reuters termed "a new, slower phase of his papacy",[19] although he was praised by disabled Catholics for making his "disability part of his visible identity".[20]

Final illness

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On 14 February 2025, Francis entered Gemelli Hospital in Rome due to bronchitis.[21] His hospital stay was extended due to a polymicrobial infection of his respiratory tract and bilateral pneumonia.[22][23][24] Vatican News described his condition as critical and reported that he was given blood transfusions and high-flow oxygen.[25][26] On 23 February, it was announced that Francis had early-stage kidney failure, though his condition remained "under control".[27][28] On 26 February, he showed slight improvement,[29] but two days later suffered a bronchial spasm, causing him to inhale vomit and require non-invasive mechanical ventilation, with the Vatican stating that his prognosis remained guarded.[30][31] On 3 March, it was reported that he had been removed from mechanical ventilation and was recovering.[32][33] The Vatican disclosed that Francis had suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory insufficiency".[34] After this episode, the third major downturn in the Pope's condition,[35] mechanical ventilation was resumed that afternoon.[36]

On 19 March, it was reported that Francis was no longer using mechanical ventilation at night, with his doctors stating that his lung infection was under control, although not eliminated.[37] He was discharged from hospital on 23 March,[38] immediately after blessing a crowd from his balcony; he was expected to spend at least two months recuperating at his home in Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City,[39] maintaining a reduced work schedule.[40][41] He appeared in public for the first time since the hospitalization on 6 April.[42]

On 20 April, a day before his death and coinciding with Easter Sunday, Francis delegated the traditional Easter Mass to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, but made a surprise public appearance to bless audiences at Saint Peter's Square,[43] shortly after having met with United States Vice President JD Vance[44][45] to exchange Easter greetings. Francis had previously criticized the Trump administration's migrant deportation plans, while Vance had strongly defended and supported them.[46] The last political official to meet with Pope Francis before his death was Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.[47]

Death

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On 21 April 2025, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, read an announcement that was also broadcast on Vatican Media stating that Francis had died that day (Easter Monday) at the age of 88 at 07:35 CEST at his residence in Vatican City.[5][48] Farrell's announcement was read from the chapel of the papal residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae.[49] A death certificate released by the Vatican later that day confirmed that Francis died of a stroke, which led to a coma and irreversible heart failure. His death certificate also noted that he was suffering from type 2 diabetes and hypertension.[50][51][52]

According to Church law, the 2025 papal conclave must begin roughly 15 to 20 days after the papacy becomes vacant,[53] in this case between 6 and 11 May 2025, but may begin earlier if all cardinal electors have arrived in Rome, as specified in Pope Benedict XVI's Normas nonnullas of 26 February 2013.[54]

Funeral

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Proceedings will begin with the highest-ranking cardinal in the Vatican's administration, Kevin Farrell, presiding over the rite of ascertainment of death in the papal chapel.[55] A papal funeral has traditionally been an elaborate affair, but Francis approved plans to simplify the rubrics of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical book detailing the rites of a papal funeral.[5] He opted for a basic wooden coffin lined with zinc and ended the tradition of placing the pope's body on a raised platform for public viewing. According to his wishes, Francis will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, making him the first pope to be interred outside the Vatican since Pope Leo XIII in 1903.[2] The funeral will take place four to six days following his death.[53]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Rob Harris (21 April 2025). "Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, dies aged 88". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Pope Francis dies aged 88". BBC News. 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  3. ^ "Dichiarazione del Direttore della Sala Stampa della Santa Sede, Matteo Bruni". press.vatican.va. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  4. ^ "Pope Francis has died, Vatican says in video statement". Reuters. 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  5. ^ a b c Watkins, Devin (21 April 2025). Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday aged 88. Vatican News. Dicasterium pro Communicatione. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  6. ^ Giuffrida, Angela (22 March 2025). "Pope Francis to be discharged from hospital and convalesce at Vatican". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  7. ^ "Pope Francis returns to Vatican after 5-week hospital stay for life-threatening double pneumonia". PBS News. 23 March 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  8. ^ Povoledo, Elisabetta (22 February 2025). "Pope Francis in Critical Condition After 'Respiratory Crisis,' Vatican Says". New York Times. Archived from the original on 22 February 2025.
  9. ^ Gagliarducci, Andrea (31 August 2021). "Analysis: What's behind rumors that Pope Francis will resign?". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  10. ^ Pullella, Philip (2 September 2021). "Pope denies resignation report, says leads normal life after surgery". Yahoo!. Reuters. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  11. ^ "Pope Francis cancels trip to Congo and South Sudan over health issues". France24. 11 June 2022. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
  12. ^ Pullella, Philip (4 July 2022). "Exclusive: Pope Francis denies he is planning to resign soon". Reuters. Archived from the original on 4 July 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
  13. ^ Pullella, Philip (16 February 2023). "Popes are for life, resignations should not become a fashion, Francis says". Reuters. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
  14. ^ Ghiglione, Davide; Davies, Alys (29 March 2023). "Pope Francis in hospital with respiratory infection". BBC News. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  15. ^ D'Emilio, Frances (8 April 2023). "Pope Francis returns to public eye for Easter vigil Mass". AP News. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  16. ^ Betiza, Sofia; Yong, Nicholas (7 June 2023). "Pope Francis, 86, to have abdominal surgery". BBC News. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  17. ^ Giuffrida, Angela (5 May 2022). "Pope Francis uses wheelchair in public for the first time". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  18. ^ "Pope says he'll slow down or retire after relying on wheelchair and walker during Canada trip". NBC News. 30 July 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  19. ^ Pullella, Philip (30 July 2022). "Pope says that with frailty and age, he is in new phase of papacy". Reuters. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  20. ^ Hertzler-McCain, Aleja (17 August 2022). "Disabled Catholics praise pope's example in publicly using a wheelchair". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  21. ^ Lamb, Christopher; Mortensen, Antonia; Picheta, Rob (14 February 2025). "Pope Francis hospitalized for bronchitis treatment and checks, Vatican says". CNN. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
  22. ^ Lamb, Christopher; Mortensen, Antonia; Braithwaite, Sharon (17 February 2025). "Pope Francis' hospital treatment dealing with 'complex clinical' condition, Vatican says". CNN. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  23. ^ "Pope has double pneumonia; condition remains 'complex'". Vatican News. 18 February 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
  24. ^ Povoledo, Elisabetta (18 February 2025). "Pope Francis, Hospitalized, Has Pneumonia, Vatican Says". The New York Times. Retrieved 18 February 2025.
  25. ^ Winfield, Nicole; Stellacci, Silvia (22 February 2025). "Pope Francis is in critical condition after long respiratory crisis, requiring oxygen at high flow". Associated Press.
  26. ^ "Pope at Gemelli Hospital, respiratory crisis in the morning". Vatican News. 22 February 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  27. ^ "Pope Francis in critical condition with early kidney failure but remains alert as prayers pour in". CTVNews. The Associated Press. 23 February 2025. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
  28. ^ "Pope Francis asks for prayers as he remains in critical condition with early kidney failure". CBS News. 23 February 2025. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
  29. ^ "Pope Francis shows further slight improvement as he battles pneumonia, the Vatican says". AP News. 26 February 2025. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
  30. ^ "Pope had a bronchial spasm and his prognosis remains guarded, Vatican says". AP News. 28 February 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  31. ^ Povoledo, Elisabetta (28 February 2025). "Pope Francis Suffers a Health Setback, Inhaling Vomit". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  32. ^ "Vatican issue major Pope Francis health update after key step in recovery". The Independent. 3 March 2025. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  33. ^ "Pope Francis appears to be overcoming setback in recovery from pneumonia". The Independent. 3 March 2025. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  34. ^ "Pope Francis had two episodes of 'acute respiratory insufficiency', Vatican says". Reuters. 3 March 2025. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  35. ^ Rainsford, Sarah; Howard, Jacqueline (3 March 2025). "Pope Francis 'alert' after respiratory failure, Vatican says". BBC News. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  36. ^ Giuffrida, Angela (3 March 2025). "Pope Francis suffers two episodes of 'acute respiratory failure'". The Guardian.
  37. ^ "Pope no longer requires mechanical ventilation". Vatican News. 19 March 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
  38. ^ "Pope Francis makes first appearance from Rome hospital". BBC News. 22 March 2025. Retrieved 23 March 2025.
  39. ^ Giuffrida, Angela (23 March 2025). "Pope Francis greets crowds in Rome before discharge from hospital". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  40. ^ Stancati, Margherita (23 March 2025). "Pope Francis Leaves Hospital After Weekslong Stay". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  41. ^ "Pope Francis makes first appearance from Rome hospital". BBC News. 23 March 2025. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  42. ^ "Recovering Pope Surprises Pilgrims With a Public Appearance". New York Times. 6 April 2025.
  43. ^ "Pope Francis emerges from convalescence on Easter, delights crowd with popemobile tour". AP News. 20 April 2025.
  44. ^ "Pope Meets With JD Vance After Criticism of Trump Administration". New York Times. 20 April 2025.
  45. ^ Natanson, Phoebe; Shalvey, Kevin (20 April 2025). "Pope Francis appears for Easter Sunday blessing after meeting JD Vance at Vatican". ABC News. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
  46. ^ "Vance meets Pope Francis on Easter Sunday after tangle over migration and deportations". PBS News. 20 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  47. ^ "Andrej Plenković posljednji je svjetski političar koji je vidio Papu prije smrti". Tportal (in Croatian). Retrieved 21 April 2025. S obzirom da Vatikan nije izvijestio o drugim susretima s političarima nakon uskršnje mise. čini se da je hrvatski premijer bio posljednji političar koji se susreo s njime za života. [Considering that the Vatican has not reported about other meetings with political figures after holding Easter mass, it seems the Croatian Prime Minister was the last to meet him in life.]
  48. ^ McElwee, Joshua (21 April 2025). "Pope Francis has died, Vatican says". Reuters.
  49. ^ Nicole Winfield (21 April 2025). "Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff who ministered with a charming, humble style, dies at 88". AP News. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  50. ^ "Declaration of the death of His Holiness Francis". Holy See Press Office | press.vatican.va. 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  51. ^ "Pope's death due to stroke and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse". Vatican News. 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  52. ^ "Pope died of a stroke and heart failure, Vatican doctor says". Reuters. 21 April 2025.
  53. ^ a b Andrews, Frank (21 April 2025). "What happens next after Pope Francis' death?". CBS News. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  54. ^ "Universi Dominici Gregis (February 22, 1996) | John Paul II". www.vatican.va. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  55. ^ "Cardinal Farrell to preside at rite of ascertainment of Pope Francis' death". Vatican News. 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
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