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Death and funeral of Pope Francis

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Death and funeral of Pope Francis
The Pope's coffin is carried in a procession
Vatican City flag at half-mast
Italian flag at half-mast
Date
  • 21 April 2025 (2025-04-21) (death)
  • 26 April 2025 (2025-04-26) (funeral)
Location
Coordinates41°54′03″N 12°27′12″E / 41.9007°N 12.4533°E / 41.9007; 12.4533
Participants
Francis's coat of arms
Francis in June 2024

On 21 April 2025 (Easter Monday), at 07:35 CEST (UTC+02:00), Pope Francis died at the age of 88 at his papal residence, Domus Sanctae Marthae (House of Saint Martha), in Vatican City.[1][2] His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo, in a broadcast by Vatican Media and in a video statement at 09:45, two hours after his death.[3][4][5] Francis had served as pope, the head of the Catholic Church, since his election on 13 March 2013. He was the second pope to die in office in the 21st century, after John Paul II in 2005.

Francis's death followed a five-week stay in hospital a month earlier, where he suffered from a respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia.[6][7] The cause of his death was officially registered as a stroke followed by irreversible cardiac arrest.[8] Francis's Requiem Mass is scheduled to be celebrated on 26 April, five days after his death. The papal conclave that will determine Francis's successor is expected to convene sometime between 6 and 12 May.[9]

Background

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Elected in 2013 at the age of 76, Francis was then reported to be healthy despite having suffered from chronic lung damage, due in part to the lung excision he had as a young man. His doctors had said the lung tissue removed then would not significantly affect his health. The only concern would be decreased respiratory reserve if he had a respiratory infection. In the last few years of his life, he was prone to bouts of influenza and bronchitis in the winter. Knee problems and sciatica had prompted him to frequently use a wheelchair, walker, or cane.[10]

In 2021, Francis's health problems prompted rumours that he might resign,[11] which Francis dismissed.[12] In June 2022, after undergoing treatment to his knee, Francis cancelled planned trips to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.[13] In an interview with Reuters that month, Francis said that he had not considered resigning but would do so if his health made it impossible for him to run the Church.[14] During his eventual trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in February 2023, Francis said that resignation was "not in his agenda at the moment".[15]

In March 2023, Francis was hospitalized in Rome with a respiratory infection.[16] He returned to celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday, in April.[17] In June, Francis underwent abdominal surgery after suffering from a hernia.[18] Francis had publicly used a wheelchair since 2022, initially due to persistent knee pain which required an operation.[19][20] He acknowledged that his recurring mobility problems had precipitated the beginning of what Reuters termed "a new, slower phase of his papacy",[21] although he was praised by disabled Catholics for making his "disability part of his visible identity".[22]

Last days

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Final illness

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On 14 February 2025, Francis entered Gemelli Hospital in Rome due to bronchitis.[23] His hospital stay was extended due to a polymicrobial infection of his respiratory tract and bilateral pneumonia.[24][25][26] Vatican News described his condition as critical and reported that he was given blood transfusions and high-flow oxygen.[27][28] On 23 February, it was announced that Francis had early-stage kidney failure, though his condition remained "under control".[29][30] On 26 February, he showed slight improvement,[31] but two days later suffered a bronchial spasm, causing him to inhale vomit and require non-invasive mechanical ventilation, with the Vatican stating that his prognosis remained guarded.[32][33] On 3 March, it was reported that he had been removed from mechanical ventilation and was recovering.[34][35] The Vatican disclosed that Francis had suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory insufficiency".[36] After this episode, the third major downturn in the Pope's condition,[37] mechanical ventilation was resumed that afternoon.[38]

On 19 March, it was reported that Francis was no longer using mechanical ventilation at night, with his doctors stating that his lung infection was under control, although not eliminated.[39] He was discharged from hospital on 23 March,[40] immediately after blessing a crowd from his balcony; he was expected to spend at least two months recuperating at his home in Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City,[41] maintaining a reduced work schedule.[42][43] He appeared in public for the first time since the hospitalization on 6 April.[44]

On Easter Sunday, 20 April, Francis met with United States Vice President JD Vance[45][46] to exchange Easter greetings.[47] Francis delegated the traditional Easter Mass to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, but made a public appearance to personally bestow the Urbi et Orbi blessing in Saint Peter's Square.[48] The last political official to meet with Pope Francis before his death was Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.[49] His final spoken words were a message of thanks to his nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, for allowing him to appear in the Square. Francis then rested that afternoon and had dinner.[50][51]

Death

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Display case showing a zucchetto worn by the Pope at the Altar of the Kings in the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral.
Display case showing a zucchetto worn by the Pope at the Altar of the Kings in the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral. The zucchetto was a gift after his visit to the temple in 2016.
The lying in state of Pope Francis

Francis's health began a sudden deterioration at 05:30 CEST on the morning of 21 April (Easter Monday), during which he made a final farewell gesture toward his nurse and lost consciousness; observers did not notice any signs of suffering.[50] He died at 07:35, at his residence in Vatican City.[5][52] He was 88. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, in a statement broadcast on Vatican Media from the chapel of the papal residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae.[53] A death certificate released by the Vatican later that day confirmed that Francis died of a stroke, which led to coma and irreversible cardiac arrest. His death certificate also noted that he was suffering from type 2 diabetes and hypertension.[54][55][56] On 22 April, the Vatican released the first images of Pope Francis lying in state at the Domus Sanctae Marthae chapel, wearing red vestments and his bishop's miter.[57]

The Papal Apartments at the Apostolic Palace, and the personal apartment of Pope Francis at Domus Sanctae Marthae, were later sealed by the Cardinal Camerlengo.[58]

Following his death, Francis's spiritual testament, dated 29 June 2022, was released, revealing his wish to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, specifically "in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica."[59] His statement ended: "May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples."[59]

Sixty cardinals held an organisational meeting on 22 April.[60] On 23 April at 09:00, the body of Pope Francis was moved from Domus Sanctae Marthae to St. Peter's Basilica to lie in state for three-day public viewing from 11:00 at the same date until 19:00 on 25 April,[61][62][63] after which the coffin will be sealed during a liturgical rite at 20:00 on 25 April.[64] Over 19,000 people came to view Francis within the first eight and half hours of his lying in state.[65]

According to Church law, the 2025 papal conclave must convene about 15 to 20 days after the papacy becomes vacant,[66] in this case between 6 and 11 May 2025, but may convene earlier if all cardinal electors have arrived in Rome, according to Pope Benedict XVI's Normas nonnullas of 26 February 2013.[67]

Funeral

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See also: List of dignitaries at the funeral of Pope Francis

Proceedings began with the Camerlengo, Kevin Farrell, presiding over the rite of ascertainment of death in the papal chapel.[68] A papal funeral has traditionally been an elaborate affair, but Francis approved plans to simplify the rubrics of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical book detailing the rites of a papal funeral.[5] He opted for a basic wooden coffin lined with zinc and ended the tradition of placing the pope's body on a raised platform for public viewing. According to his wishes, Francis will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, specifically, "in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica,"[59] making him the first pope to be interred outside the Vatican since Pope Leo XIII in 1903.[2]

The funeral will take place on 26 April at 10:00 in the form of a Mass of Requiem led by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.[57] According to the Office of Protocol of the Vatican Secretariat of State, roughly 130 foreign delegations were confirmed at the funeral.[69] The funeral Mass for Pope Francis will also begin a nine-day mourning period, known as the novemdiales, wherein the cardinals will concelebrate Mass in memory of the deceased pontiff, with representation of particular sectors related to the papacy. The Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff released the schedule and the list of cardinals who will officiate the Masses for the novemdiales.[70]

Reactions

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Main article: Reactions to the death of Pope Francis

Following Francis's death, many political and religious leaders across the world offered condolences and paid tribute.[71][72]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Rob Harris (21 April 2025). "Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, dies aged 88". Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Pope Francis dies aged 88". BBC News. 21 April 2025. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  3. ^ "Dichiarazione del Direttore della Sala Stampa della Santa Sede, Matteo Bruni". press.vatican.va. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  4. ^ "Pope Francis has died, Vatican says in video statement". Reuters. 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  5. ^ a b c Watkins, Devin (21 April 2025). Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday aged 88. Vatican News. Dicasterium pro Communicatione. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  6. ^ Giuffrida, Angela (22 March 2025). "Pope Francis to be discharged from hospital and convalesce at Vatican". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  7. ^ "Pope Francis returns to Vatican after 5-week hospital stay for life-threatening double pneumonia". PBS News. 23 March 2025. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  8. ^ Giuffrida, Angela; Sherwood, Harriet (21 April 2025). "Pope Francis died from a stroke followed by heart failure, Vatican says". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  9. ^ "Here's How a Conclave Elects a New Pope". CBC News. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Associated Press. 19 February 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  10. ^ Povoledo, Elisabetta (22 February 2025). "Pope Francis in Critical Condition After 'Respiratory Crisis,' Vatican Says". New York Times. Archived from the original on 22 February 2025.
  11. ^ Gagliarducci, Andrea (31 August 2021). "Analysis: What's behind rumors that Pope Francis will resign?". Catholic News Agency. Archived from the original on 20 March 2025. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  12. ^ Pullella, Philip (2 September 2021). "Pope denies resignation report, says leads normal life after surgery". Yahoo!. Reuters. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  13. ^ "Pope Francis cancels trip to Congo and South Sudan over health issues". France24. 11 June 2022. Archived from the original on 25 December 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
  14. ^ Pullella, Philip (4 July 2022). "Exclusive: Pope Francis denies he is planning to resign soon". Reuters. Archived from the original on 4 July 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
  15. ^ Pullella, Philip (16 February 2023). "Popes are for life, resignations should not become a fashion, Francis says". Reuters. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
  16. ^ Ghiglione, Davide; Davies, Alys (29 March 2023). "Pope Francis in hospital with respiratory infection". BBC News. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  17. ^ D'Emilio, Frances (8 April 2023). "Pope Francis returns to public eye for Easter vigil Mass". AP News. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  18. ^ Betiza, Sofia; Yong, Nicholas (7 June 2023). "Pope Francis, 86, to have abdominal surgery". BBC News. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  19. ^ Giuffrida, Angela (5 May 2022). "Pope Francis uses wheelchair in public for the first time". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  20. ^ "Pope says he'll slow down or retire after relying on wheelchair and walker during Canada trip". NBC News. 30 July 2022. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  21. ^ Pullella, Philip (30 July 2022). "Pope says that with frailty and age, he is in new phase of papacy". Reuters. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  22. ^ Hertzler-McCain, Aleja (17 August 2022). "Disabled Catholics praise pope's example in publicly using a wheelchair". National Catholic Reporter. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  23. ^ Lamb, Christopher; Mortensen, Antonia; Picheta, Rob (14 February 2025). "Pope Francis hospitalized for bronchitis treatment and checks, Vatican says". CNN. Archived from the original on 17 March 2025. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
  24. ^ Lamb, Christopher; Mortensen, Antonia; Braithwaite, Sharon (17 February 2025). "Pope Francis' hospital treatment dealing with 'complex clinical' condition, Vatican says". CNN. Archived from the original on 4 March 2025. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  25. ^ "Pope has double pneumonia; condition remains 'complex'". Vatican News. 18 February 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
  26. ^ Povoledo, Elisabetta (18 February 2025). "Pope Francis, Hospitalized, Has Pneumonia, Vatican Says". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 10 April 2025. Retrieved 18 February 2025.
  27. ^ Winfield, Nicole; Stellacci, Silvia (22 February 2025). "Pope Francis is in critical condition after long respiratory crisis, requiring oxygen at high flow". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 2 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  28. ^ "Pope at Gemelli Hospital, respiratory crisis in the morning". Vatican News. 22 February 2025. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  29. ^ "Pope Francis in critical condition with early kidney failure but remains alert as prayers pour in". CTVNews. The Associated Press. 23 February 2025. Archived from the original on 23 February 2025. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
  30. ^ "Pope Francis asks for prayers as he remains in critical condition with early kidney failure". CBS News. 23 February 2025. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
  31. ^ "Pope Francis shows further slight improvement as he battles pneumonia, the Vatican says". AP News. 26 February 2025. Archived from the original on 4 April 2025. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
  32. ^ "Pope had a bronchial spasm and his prognosis remains guarded, Vatican says". AP News. 28 February 2025. Archived from the original on 4 April 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  33. ^ Povoledo, Elisabetta (28 February 2025). "Pope Francis Suffers a Health Setback, Inhaling Vomit". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  34. ^ "Vatican issue major Pope Francis health update after key step in recovery". The Independent. 3 March 2025. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  35. ^ "Pope Francis appears to be overcoming setback in recovery from pneumonia". The Independent. 3 March 2025. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  36. ^ "Pope Francis had two episodes of 'acute respiratory insufficiency', Vatican says". Reuters. 3 March 2025. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  37. ^ Rainsford, Sarah; Howard, Jacqueline (3 March 2025). "Pope Francis 'alert' after respiratory failure, Vatican says". BBC News. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  38. ^ Giuffrida, Angela (3 March 2025). "Pope Francis suffers two episodes of 'acute respiratory failure'". The Guardian.
  39. ^ "Pope no longer requires mechanical ventilation". Vatican News. 19 March 2025. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
  40. ^ "Pope Francis makes first appearance from Rome hospital". BBC News. 22 March 2025. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 23 March 2025.
  41. ^ Giuffrida, Angela (23 March 2025). "Pope Francis greets crowds in Rome before discharge from hospital". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  42. ^ Stancati, Margherita (23 March 2025). "Pope Francis Leaves Hospital After Weekslong Stay". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  43. ^ "Pope Francis makes first appearance from Rome hospital". BBC News. 23 March 2025. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  44. ^ "Recovering Pope Surprises Pilgrims With a Public Appearance". New York Times. 6 April 2025. Archived from the original on 10 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  45. ^ "Pope Meets With JD Vance After Criticism of Trump Administration". New York Times. 20 April 2025.
  46. ^ Natanson, Phoebe; Shalvey, Kevin (20 April 2025). "Pope Francis appears for Easter Sunday blessing after meeting JD Vance at Vatican". ABC News. Archived from the original on 20 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
  47. ^ "Vance meets Pope Francis on Easter Sunday after tangle over migration and deportations". PBS News. 20 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  48. ^ "Pope Francis emerges from convalescence on Easter, delights crowd with popemobile tour". AP News. 20 April 2025. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  49. ^ "Andrej Plenković posljednji je svjetski političar koji je vidio Papu prije smrti". Tportal (in Croatian). Retrieved 21 April 2025. S obzirom da Vatikan nije izvijestio o drugim susretima s političarima nakon uskršnje mise. čini se da je hrvatski premijer bio posljednji političar koji se susreo s njime za života. [Considering that the Vatican has not reported about other meetings with political figures after holding Easter mass, it seems the Croatian Prime Minister was the last to meet him in life.]
  50. ^ a b Cernuzio, Salvatore (22 April 2025). "Pope Francis' final hours and gratitude for returning to the Square". Vatican News. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  51. ^ "Pope's final words of thanks to nurse revealed as funeral plans begin". The Independent. 22 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  52. ^ McElwee, Joshua (21 April 2025). "Pope Francis has died, Vatican says". Reuters.
  53. ^ Nicole Winfield (21 April 2025). "Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff who ministered with a charming, humble style, dies at 88". AP News. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  54. ^ "Declaration of the death of His Holiness Francis" (Press release). Holy See Press Office. 21 April 2025. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  55. ^ "Pope's death due to stroke and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse". Vatican News. 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  56. ^ Armellini, Alvise (21 April 2025). "Pope died of a stroke and heart failure, Vatican doctor says". Reuters.
  57. ^ a b "Cardinals meet at Vatican and set date for Pope Francis's public viewing and funeral". AP News. 22 April 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  58. ^ "Seals placed on doors of Santa Marta papal residence".
  59. ^ a b c "Pope Francis' spiritual testament". Vatican News. Dicastery for Communication. 21 April 2025. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  60. ^ "Cardinals hold first meeting after pope's death". 22 April 2025.
  61. ^ Rainsford, Sarah; Gozzi, Laura (23 April 2025). "Mourners visit Pope Francis lying in state at St Peter's Basilica". BBC News. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  62. ^ "Notice from the Office of Liturgical Celebrations" (Press release). Holy See Press Office. 22 April 2025. Archived from the original on 22 April 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  63. ^ "Pope Francis' body moved to St. Peter's Basilica for 3 days of public viewing". CBS News. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  64. ^ Watkins, Devin (24 April 2025). "Pope Francis' coffin to be sealed in rite on Friday evening". Vatican News. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  65. ^ Banatvala, Steffie (24 April 2025). "Pope Francis latest: Tens of thousands of mourners view Pontiff's open casket at St Peter's Basilica". The Independent. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  66. ^ Andrews, Frank (21 April 2025). "What happens next after Pope Francis' death?". CBS News. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  67. ^ "Universi Dominici Gregis (February 22, 1996) | John Paul II". www.vatican.va. Archived from the original on 22 November 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  68. ^ "Cardinal Farrell to preside at rite of ascertainment of Pope Francis' death". Vatican News. 21 April 2025. Archived from the original on 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  69. ^ "130 delegations, 50 heads of state at papal funeral so far - Vatican". Agenzia ANSA (in Italian). 24 April 2025. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  70. ^ "Notice from the Office of Liturgical Celebrations – Novendiali in memory of the Roman Pontiff Francis, 23.04.2025".
  71. ^ Jones, Sam (21 April 2025). "Political and religious leaders around the world pay tribute to Pope Francis". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  72. ^ Guzman, Chad de; Jeyaretnam, Miranda (21 April 2025). "Global Leaders Offer Tributes to Pope Francis". TIME. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
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