At 9:45 AM, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, made it known from the Casa Santa Marta that Pope Francis had passed away. He shared the news in these words: “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. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. 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.
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.”
Later that Monday, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, addressed members of the press, giving updates regarding plans for the faithful to honour the deceased pontiff. He indicated that the late Pope’s body might be taken to St. Peter’s Basilica by Wednesday morning so people could come and offer their prayers before him.
Bruni stated, “The translation of the Holy Father’s mortal remains to the Vatican Basilica, for the veneration of all the faithful, may take place on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, according to the arrangements that shall be determined and communicated tomorrow, following the first Congregation of the Cardinals.”
Funeral Preparations and Initial Rites
A brief religious ceremony was held on Monday evening at 8:00 PM in the chapel on the ground floor of the Casa Santa Marta, where the late Pope lived. This rite included the official declaration confirming his death, read out in the presence of Church officials. Cardinal Farrell authenticated the document, and the entire event lasted just under one hour.
Security measures were also implemented immediately. Seals were applied to the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace, located on the third floor, and also to Pope Francis’ personal apartment on the second floor of Casa Santa Marta.
Bruni informed journalists that close aides of Pope Francis had already started offering their respects by Monday evening. He also said that the Cardinals would hold their first General Congregation on Tuesday morning, during which the date for the funeral might be established.
Medical History and Final Illness
On Friday, February 14, 2025, Pope Francis was taken to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital due to a prolonged case of bronchitis. His medical team later discovered on February 18 that he had developed pneumonia in both lungs. Following 38 days in the hospital, he returned to his residence in the Vatican to recover.
This was not the first time the Pope had experienced serious respiratory problems. Back in 1957, while still a young man in Argentina, Jorge Mario Bergoglio had part of his lung surgically removed due to a major respiratory infection.
In more recent years, he continued to face health issues, including the cancellation of a scheduled visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 after falling ill with influenza and lung inflammation.
Funeral Rite Revisions and Final Wishes
In April 2024, Pope Francis authorised a revised version of the liturgical book used for papal funerals. This updated guide, known as the second edition of Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, brings in a number of changes regarding how a Pope’s body should be treated after death.
Under these new guidelines, the confirmation of death is conducted inside the chapel rather than the place of death, and the body is moved into the coffin straightaway.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, who serves as the Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, explained that the late Pope requested the funeral rites be made simpler, with a focus on highlighting the Church’s faith in Christ’s resurrection.
Archbishop Ravelli said, “The renewed rite seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”
