The Vatican has declared the passing of Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, at the age of 88. This news marks a significant moment for the global Catholic community and beyond.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first pontiff from Latin America. His tenure has been marked by efforts to modernize the Church and advocate for social justice.
Just last month, Pope Francis was released from Gemelli Hospital in Rome after a 38-day hospitalization. He was receiving treatment following a respiratory ailment that evolved into double pneumonia.
The confirmation of his death occurred mere hours after his appearance at St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, an event that had been eagerly anticipated by many.
Live updates on the passing of Pope Francis are detailed below:
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards.
You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Video Report: Pope Francis’s Passing at 88
An informative video explaining the breaking news regarding the death of Pope Francis this morning at the age of 88.
Stay with us for continuous updates and global reactions to this significant event.
For in-depth coverage on Pope Francis’s life and legacy, visit MailOnline.
Obituary: Romantic Rejection Shaped Pope Francis’s Path
*This exclusive obituary is available for Mail+ subscribers.*
At the age of 12, Jorge Mario Bergoglio harbored affections for a girl named Amalia. Despite disapproval from both families due to their young age, Jorge reportedly proposed marriage.
Amalia recounted with amusement, “He declared that if I refused, he would become a priest. Luckily for him, I declined.”
This rejection stands as a historically significant turning point, as Bergoglio proceeded not only to enter the clergy but to ascend to the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.
Read the complete obituary here:
Images: Pilgrims Gather in St Peter’s Square After Pope’s Death
Devotees and pilgrims carrying wooden crosses are converging on St Peter’s Square in Vatican City to mourn Pope Francis.
Crowds are beginning to grow in the square as global tributes are paid to the departed Pope Francis.
Video: News Broadcasts Announce Pope Francis’s Death
Watch as UK broadcasters deliver the news of Pope Francis’s death to morning viewers.
The Vatican officially confirmed the 88-year-old’s death this morning, shortly after his Easter Sunday appearance in St Peter’s Square.
Cardinal Nichols Urges Continued Strength of Pope’s Legacy
A leading Catholic figure in Britain has advocated for the reinforcement of Pope Francis’s legacy, particularly his advocacy for the impoverished and marginalized, following his death.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and Archbishop of Westminster, issued the following statement:
The passing of Pope Francis instills profound sorrow in many across the globe, within the Catholic Church and wider society.
A voice championing the inherent worth of every individual, especially the vulnerable and disadvantaged, is now silent. We are tasked with upholding and strengthening his enduring legacy.
Pope Francis’s calling to priesthood stemmed from his deep encounter with divine mercy and compassion. This remained central to his ministry as Priest, Bishop, and Pontiff. Only through grasping God’s love and mercy can we build societies reflecting the ‘kingdom of God’.
This same emphasis underpinned his vision for Church membership rooted in ‘missionary discipleship’, a vibrant and potent vision for every Christian and community.
We now pray for the repose of his soul, that he may fully experience the merciful and loving embrace of God, whom he served with unwavering devotion. May he find eternal peace and rise in glory.
JD Vance Reflects on Meeting with Pope Francis
US Vice President JD Vance has offered his tribute to Pope Francis following their encounter at the Vatican on Easter Sunday.
The meeting between the 88-year-old Pontiff and Vance on Easter Sunday followed some tension, after Pope Francis criticized the Trump administration’s policies on illegal migrants.
This occurred a day after Vance, a Catholic convert, was seemingly not directly received by the Pope, instead meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, and Archbishop Peter Gallagher, the foreign minister.
I was pleased to see him yesterday, despite his evident ill health. I will always remember his beautiful homily from the early days of COVID.
More details on Pope Francis’s final meeting are available here.
Global Leaders Offer Tributes to Pope Francis
The first wave of tributes for Pope Francis is arriving from across the globe, as international leaders and governments convey their condolences to the Vatican.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog lauded the late Pope Francis on Monday as ‘a figure of profound faith and limitless compassion.’
He rightly emphasized cultivating robust relations with the Jewish community and fostering interfaith dialogue as a means to enhance understanding and mutual respect.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei added:
My colleagues have just informed me of the news… I extend my condolences to Christians worldwide.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney portrayed Francis as ‘a proponent of peace, tolerance, and reconciliation.’
It is with deep sadness that I received news this morning of Pope Francis’s death. He was a voice advocating for peace, tolerance and reconciliation in our society, offering solace, assurance, and hope to countless individuals. May he rest in peace.
Irish Premier Michael Martin honored Pope Francis as an ‘exceptional’ leader who holds “a special place in the hearts of the Irish populace”.
On behalf of the Irish Government and its people, I express my sincere sympathies and deepest condolences to all who are mourning, His Eminence Cardinal Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, his family and friends, and the global Catholic community that has lost an extraordinary leader.
Images: Initial Mourners Arrive at St Peter’s Square
People have begun to gather in St Peter’s Square after the announcement of Pope Francis’s death this morning.
Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, communicated that Pope Francis passed away at 7:35am local time (6.35am UK time).
Succession Protocol: What Happens Following Pope Francis’s Death?
by Harry Howard, History Editor
As the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics mourn Pope Francis’s passing, outlined below are the procedures for the coming days.
News of the 88-year-old’s death emerged earlier today, two months after his hospitalization for an infection that escalated to pneumonia in both lungs and later kidney failure.
A nine-day period of official mourning will commence. However, the historic conclave process—where cardinals convene in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope—will not begin for at least 15 days.
The Vatican Chamberlain, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell, will officially verify Pope Francis’s death by calling his name three times at his bedside.
The Pope’s office and private residences will be sealed, and the papal fisherman’s ring will be removed and destroyed.
The Pope’s body will be dressed in red vestments with a white mitre, and then transferred to St Peter’s Basilica for a three-day lying in state.
His funeral will be conducted within six days, after which—unusually for recent popes—Francis will be interred in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome’s Esquilino area, instead of the Vatican grottoes.
Images: Pope Francis’s Final Easter Blessing Before Death
Pope Francis’s death came just a day after he brought joy to worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday, appearing on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica despite ongoing convalescence.
Earlier in the year, Francis had narrowly avoided death twice due to pneumonia complications.
He was hospitalized for 38 days before his release on March 23.
On Sunday, he wished the St Peter’s Square gathering a ‘Happy Easter,’ waving and delivering his traditional ‘Urbi et Orbi’ benediction, advocating for freedom of thought and tolerance.
Here are photographs from yesterday’s event in St Peter’s Square.
Full Vatican Announcement Confirming Pope’s Death
The Vatican released a statement confirming the death of Pope Francis on Monday at the age of 88, a day after his anticipated appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
The complete text of the statement reads:
“Dear brothers and sisters, with profound sadness, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” conveyed Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the Vatican’s official statement via Telegram.
“This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His life was entirely devoted to serving the Lord and His Church.”
Breaking News: Catholic World Mourns Death of Pope Francis
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, has died at 88, the Vatican has announced.
The Pontiff had recently been hospitalized, battling an infection that led to pneumonia in both lungs.
The Conclave to elect a successor will commence in no less than 15 days, held within the Sistine Chapel.
Pope Francis’s body will lie in state at St Peter’s Basilica during an official mourning period. In a departure from tradition, his burial will be in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome’s Esquilino neighborhood.
Read our full breaking news coverage here:
Pope Francis Passes Away at 88
Good morning and welcome to MailOnline’s live updates on the Vatican’s announcement of Pope Francis’s death.
Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell stated:
“At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”
Follow our live coverage for ongoing updates and reactions throughout the day.
Share or comment on this article:
Pope Francis dies aged 88: Live updates and reaction as Vatican announces death of pontiff
