Vatican City: Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, died on Monday. He was 88.
The Vatican confirmed his death early in the morning. Bells tolled in church towers across Rome after the announcement, which was read out by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Pope Francis lived.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church”, Ferrell said.
Health struggles and final hospitalisation
Pope Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on February 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalisation of his 12-year papacy. He was discharged from the hospital on March 23 after a five-week stay.
Easter appearance amid recovery
Despite the severity of his illness, Pope Francis made an appearance on Easter Sunday. He emerged in St Peter’s Square in his popemobile, to the delight of thousands gathered.
“Viva il Papa!” (Long live the pope), “Bravo!” the crowd shouted as Francis looped through the square in his open-topped popemobile and then up and down the main avenue leading to it. He stopped occasionally to bless babies brought up to him.
“Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” Pope Francis said, his voice sounding stronger than it has since he was released from the hospital.
Pope Francis didn't celebrate the Easter Mass in the piazza, delegating it to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica. But after the Mass ended, Pope Francis appeared on the loggia balcony over the basilica entrance for more than 20 minutes and imparted the apostolic blessing in Latin.
The crowd of people below, estimated by the Vatican to be more than 35,000, erupted in cheers as a military band kicked off rounds of the Holy See anthem.
In all, Pope Francis was outside on a sunny spring day for around 50 minutes, with temperatures at 21 degrees Celsius (70 Fahrenheit) in a piazza awash in daffodils, tulips and other flowers donated by the Netherlands for Easter.
Call for peace and unity in Easter message
In the speech, read by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, and the Pope’s words rang out proclaiming: “Christ is risen.”
“Christ, my hope, has risen,” Pope Francis announced, calling on the faithful to turn their gaze to the empty tomb.
Later, Pope Francis appealed for peace in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as Congo and Myanmar and in other hotspots. And he made a special appeal for migrants and those affected by violence.
“How much contempt is stirred up at times toward the vulnerable, the marginalized, and migrants!” the message said. “On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas! For all of us are children of God!”
Meeting with US Vice President JD Vance
Earlier on Easter morning, shortly after 11:30 am at the Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis met briefly in his hotel with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was spending Easter in Rome with his family. The Vatican said the encounter lasted just a few minutes and was designed to allow for an exchange of Easter greetings.
Pope Francis, for his part, gave Vance three big chocolate Easter eggs to give to his three young children. “I know you have not been feeling great but it’s good to see you in better health,” Vance told the pope. “Thank you for seeing me.”
According to the Holy See Press Office, the two held a warm exchange reaffirming their shared commitment to protecting religious liberty and freedom of conscience. They discussed global affairs, focusing on regions facing war, political instability, and humanitarian emergencies. Their conversation also included concern for the well-being of refugees, migrants, and incarcerated individuals.
Published: 21 Apr 2025, 03:10 pm IST
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