POPE FRANCIS DIES AT 88 – VATICAN

POPE Francis on Easter Monday died at the age of 88, the Vatican said in a statement.

The Holy Father died a day after making an appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.

Pope Francis died at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

“This morning at 7:35 am (01:35 p.m. in Manila) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.

“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. 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,” Cardinal Farrel said.

The Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14, 2025 after suffering from bronchitis for several days.

The Holy Father’s clinical situation gradually worsened, and his doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on February 18.

After 38 days in hospital, Pope Francis returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery on March 23.

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, said the late Pope Francis had requested that the funeral rites be simplified.