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Vatican Confirms Demise of Pope Francis, Clarifies Passing Not on Easter Sunday
In a somber announcement from the Vatican, the world learned of the passing of Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church. His death occurred weeks after he was treated for bronchial issues and pneumonia, despite having briefly resumed his papal duties. Following his public Easter address, there was optimism regarding his recovery. However, the Vatican declared his death on April 21, 2025, prompting questions about the timing and clarifying that the Pope’s death did not occur on Easter Sunday itself.
Tenure as Pontiff: How Long Did Pope Francis Serve?
Francis led the Catholic Church as Pope for a duration of 12 years, from his ascension in 2013 until his death in 2025.
Age at Passing: How Old Was Pope Francis When He Died?
The revered religious leader passed away at the age of 88.
Easter Monday Demise: Clarifying the Date of Pope Francis’s Death
The Vatican formally announced the death of Pope Francis, confirming the time of passing as 7:35 a.m. on April 21. Significantly, this date was Easter Monday, the day after Easter Sunday.
Easter Monday holds significance as a holiday in many Christian-majority nations. However, it is not recognized as a federal holiday within the United States.
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Official Statement: Cardinal Farrell’s Announcement
Cardinal Kevin Farrell delivered the official announcement regarding the death of Pope Francis. Addressing the public, he stated: “Beloved brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness that I must announce the death of our Holy Father, Francis. This morning at 7:35, Francis, the Bishop of Rome, returned to the Father’s house. His life was entirely devoted to serving the Lord and His Church. He taught us to embody the values of the Gospel with unwavering faith, bravery, and universal compassion, especially for those most impoverished and marginalized. With deep gratitude for his exemplary life as a true follower of Jesus Christ, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the boundless and merciful love of God, One and Triune.”
Unspecified Cause of Death: Pope Francis’s Health History
The Vatican has not released an official cause of death for Pope Francis. His passing followed a period of declining health over several years, primarily involving pulmonary and respiratory ailments. In February 2025, Pope Francis received hospital treatment for bilateral pneumonia, kidney complications, and other health concerns.
After a month-long stay in the hospital, he returned to the Vatican on March 23, 2025, and gradually started to resume his papal duties.
On Easter Sunday, April 20, Pope Francis met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who expressed gratitude for the pontiff’s gracious welcome. The following day, Vance conveyed his condolences on social media, tweeting: “I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My condolences are with the millions of Christians worldwide who cherished him. I was fortunate to meet him yesterday, though it was evident he was gravely ill. … May God grant rest to his soul.”