The Pontiff passed away on Easter Monday (April 21) at the age of 88, following a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
The Vatican confirmed his death shortly after he made what would be his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, blessing more than 35,000 worshippers gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Despite his visibly frail state, he smiled, waved from his popemobile, and addressed the faithful with a heartfelt message: “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.”
He then appeared on the loggia balcony, offering blessings in Latin while a military band performed the Holy See anthem – few in attendance could have anticipated this would be his final act as spiritual leader of the Catholic Church.
“At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced on Monday.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised,” he continued.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first Latin American pontiff in 2013 and served the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church for over a decade.
He battled respiratory issues for much of his life, including the removal of part of a lung in his twenties due to a severe infection.
Following his death, the Vatican entered the period of “sede vacante” or “empty seat” – during which the papal office remains vacant until a new pope is elected.
Preparations for his funeral are currently underway, with his body set to be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on April 23 to allow the faithful to pay their respects.
Alongside the announcement of his passing, the Holy See released Pope Francis’ final will and testament, revealing the Pontiff’s personal burial wishes.
“I wish to express my testamentary will only with regard to the place of my burial,” he wrote, per The Independent. “I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major.”
The will further stated: “The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus.”
He specified the location of his burial site within the basilica, requesting it be placed “in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel, Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani, and the Sforza Chapel.” He also confirmed that an unnamed benefactor would cover the costs, with financial arrangements entrusted to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas.
“May the Lord give the deserved reward to those who have loved me and will continue to pray for me,” the Pope wrote. “The suffering that has become present in the last part of my life I have offered to the Lord for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples.”
Tributes to Pope Francis have poured in from around the world. King Charles said he was “deeply saddened,” describing the Pope as a man who “profoundly touched the lives of so many.”
Cardinal Vincent Nichols led a requiem mass in London, stating: “This voice, filled with compassion, mercy, and righteous indignation, is now silent, for a more authoritative voice has spoken, that of his heavenly Father, calling him home, to be with his Lord and Master for ever.”
Religious leaders across denominations echoed these sentiments. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis expressed “great sadness,” while Archbishop Diego Ravelli confirmed that Pope Francis had approved simplified funeral rites last year, aiming to highlight his role not as a figure of power, but as “a pastor and disciple of Christ.”
The cardinals confirmed that the Pope’s funeral is set to take place on Saturday, April 26.
