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Vatican Announces Passing of Pope Francis at 88
Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church since 2013, has passed away at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed the death of the pontiff, a significant figure in global religion, on Monday, April 21, 2025.
Details of the Passing
According to an official Vatican announcement released via social media, Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta. He was 88 years old.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell issued a statement expressing profound sadness: “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep grief that I announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.”
Farrell’s statement further elaborated, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire existence was dedicated to serving the Lord and His Church. He imparted to us the values of the Gospel with unwavering fidelity, bravery, and universal compassion, particularly towards the most impoverished and marginalized.”
Tributes and Legacy
Cardinal Farrell concluded his remarks by stating, “With immense gratitude for his exemplary life as a true follower of the Lord Jesus, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the boundless merciful love of the Triune God.”
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The pontiff’s death occurred shortly after his public appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, April 20, where he delivered Easter greetings to the assembled crowd.
Health Battles
Earlier this year, the Holy Father was hospitalized on February 14 at Rome’s Gemelli hospital due to bronchitis. His condition subsequently involved double pneumonia, affecting both lungs.
While medical professionals indicated improvement in his health, Pope Francis experienced a “sudden worsening” on February 28 following “an isolated crisis of bronchospasm.”
The Cleveland Clinic explains that bronchospasm involves the tightening of muscles in the bronchi, the airways connecting the lungs to the trachea, causing airway constriction and restricting oxygen intake.
A Decade of Service
For nearly twelve years, Francis served as the leader of the Catholic Church. Despite residing in Vatican City, the religious leader prioritized outreach to marginalized communities worldwide throughout his papacy.
Admiration From Prominent Figures
During his 2015 visit to the United States, which included stops in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Philadelphia, numerous public figures voiced their admiration for Pope Francis.
“This pope is inspiring for me as an American, as a woman, as a Catholic,” Maria Shriver commented to People magazine after covering his visit for the Today show. “It was truly moving to be present.”
Other notable Catholics, such as Mark Wahlberg, Mario Lopez, Sunny Hostin, and Jim Gaffigan, have also publicly expressed their appreciation for Francis.
“I believe you could describe the Pope as a Catholic superhero,” Jim Gaffigan remarked on CBS Sunday Morning in September 2015, prior to performing comedy for the Holy Father. “He possesses the cape, the hat; even his vehicle is termed the Popemobile. It is truly refreshing to hear a global leader articulate, ‘Who am I to judge?’”
Broader Appeal
Even celebrities outside the Catholic faith expressed support for Pope Francis, acknowledging his dedication to the impoverished and his message of inclusivity within the church.
In June 2024, Whoopi Goldberg, known for her role in Sister Act and for bringing Sister Act memorabilia to a meeting, joined nearly 100 comedians from across the globe in visiting the Holy Father in Vatican City.
Impact on Humorists
“The Pope conveyed that he believed our role as humorists and comedians held significance and value,” Goldberg recounted on The View, recalling her trip with Chris Rock, Jimmy Fallon, Conan O’Brien, and other prominent figures. “It was less about our religious backgrounds and more about him delivering a message affirming our importance as humorists, which was profoundly moving and wonderful to hear.”
In a separate segment on The View, Goldberg reiterated her positive impression of Francis.
“He is, fundamentally, a human being, which I deeply appreciate, and he is genuinely striving to be compassionate to everyone,” she stated. “He recognizes our imperfections, including his own and mine. His message is essentially, ‘We bring our best selves forward.’”