“Image Credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, the Vatican announced. His death occurred at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, confirmed the news, stating, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the”, — write: hollywoodlife.com
Image Credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, the Vatican announced.
His death occurred at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, confirmed the news, stating, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must 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.”
Just weeks before his passing, Pope Francis had been hospitalized in Rome for bronchitis. Although he was discharged on March 23, concerns about his health persisted. Despite visible signs of illness, he resumed limited duties and made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday to bless the faithful in St. Peter’s Square. That same day, he also met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance at the Vatican.
Learn more about the late pontiff, including his age at the time of death, his health history, and what comes next for the Catholic Church, below.
How Old Was Pope Francis? Pope Francis was born on December 17, 1936, and was 88 years old at the time of his passing.
How Long Has Pope Francis Been the Pope? Pope Francis served as the head of the Catholic Church for just over 12 years. He was elected on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, and remained in the role until his death.
What Happens When the Pope Dies? When a pope dies, the governance of the Catholic Church temporarily shifts to the Camerlengo—currently Cardinal Farrell—who oversees the day-to-day operations of the Vatican until a new pope is elected. While Farrell does not have the authority to make doctrinal changes, he manages the Church’s administrative functions and prepares for the upcoming papal conclave, where eligible cardinals will gather to elect the next pope.
Pope Francis’ Health Pope Francis faced several health challenges during his later years, which often sparked speculation that he might resign — rumors he consistently denied. In 2021, he underwent intestinal surgery to treat diverticulitis, a condition that causes inflammation in the colon. The procedure involved removing part of his colon. Despite widespread reports that he was considering stepping down, Francis told Spanish radio network COPE that the idea “didn’t even cross [his] mind.”
Health concerns continued in 2022 when a chronic knee condition limited his mobility and made it difficult to carry out some papal duties. As a result, he began using a wheelchair and cane.
In 2023, Francis was hospitalized for bronchitis but recovered in time to preside over the Easter Vigil Mass just days later. His 2025 hospitalization marked the second time he required medical treatment for bronchitis. That year, his condition worsened, eventually leading to complications including pneumonia and kidney failure.
According to CNN, Francis had battled lung issues throughout his life. The Argentinian pontiff survived a serious case of pneumonia in his youth and had part of one lung removed, a condition that continued to affect his health in later years.