Pope Francis Dies on Easter Monday at 88

Moneylife Digital Team 21 April 2025

Life

Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican announced. He had led the Catholic Church since 2013, following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation.

At 9:45am, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, officially declared the Pope’s death. He said the Bishop of Rome died peacefully at 7:35am, after a life devoted to the service of God and the Church.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Farrell said. “We commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the Pope’s passing in a message posted on social media, remembering him as a global symbol of humility and compassion who dedicated his life to the upliftment of the poor and suffering.

PM Modi wrote in a post on X: “Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope.”

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was the first pontiff from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere. He was also the first non-European pope since Syrian-born Gregory III, who died in 741.

In a break from modern tradition, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, becoming the first pope in over a century to be laid to rest outside the Vatican grounds.

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