By Barth Ikiebe

The Vatican has officially announced the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88.

The Holy Father died on Easter Monday at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, located within Vatican City.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, made the announcement early Monday morning, confirming that the Pope passed away peacefully at exactly 7:35am.

His death comes just a day after he appeared before Catholic faithful during the Easter Mass on Sunday.

In an official statement, Cardinal Farrell said:
“Dear brothers and Sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I announce the death of our Holy Father, Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His life was marked by service to the Lord and His Church, with a heart dedicated to the poor and the marginalised. We entrust his soul to the boundless mercy of God.”

The late Pope had been battling health challenges in recent months. He was discharged from the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital earlier this year, where he spent 38 days receiving treatment.

Pope Francis was admitted on February 14, 2025, after struggling with bronchitis. His condition worsened days later, and doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia on February 18.

Known in his early life as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis had a history of respiratory illness.

In 1957, he underwent surgery in Argentina to remove a portion of his lung due to a severe infection. His health had remained fragile, and he was forced to cancel a trip to the UAE in November 2023 due to lung inflammation and the flu.

Despite his declining health, Pope Francis remained active in Church affairs.

In April 2024, he approved a revised edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical guide for papal funeral rites.

The updated guide introduces a number of changes, including the immediate transfer of the Pope’s body to a coffin after the declaration of death, which will now take place in the chapel rather than the room of passing.

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, revealed that Pope Francis had asked for a simplified funeral ceremony focused more on faith than formality.

“The updated rite reflects the Pope’s desire to be remembered as a humble servant and disciple of Christ, not as a worldly leader,” Ravelli stated.

Our Correspondent reports that funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the Vatican.

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