Photography: Holy See Press Office
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died on 21 April 2025, Easter Monday, at the age of 88. His death marked the end of a historic papacy and initiated a period of mourning and transition for the Catholic Church.
Final Appearance
Pope Francis made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday, 20 April 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. During his final Urbi et Orbi Easter address, he called for a ceasefire in Gaza, continuing his advocacy for peace and diplomacy in global conflicts.
Death
Pope Francis died at 07:35 local time (UTC+02:00) on 21 April 2025 in his residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae, Vatican City. According to official reports, the cause of death was a cerebral stroke, which led to coma and irreversible cardiac arrest. His passing was formally announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell on the Vatican’s television channel, as well as in a video statement to the press and faithful.
Aftermath
The Pope’s death initiated the papal interregnum, a period during which the papal office is vacant. A traditional nine-day mourning period, known as the novemdiales, was declared by Catholic liturgical protocol.
His funeral is scheduled for 26 April 2025, following which Cardinal-electors will convene in Rome for the General Congregation of Cardinals. This body will determine the schedule for the upcoming conclave to elect Francis’s successor.
Spiritual Testament
Pope Francis’s spiritual testament, dated 29 June 2022, expressed his desire to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. The document concluded with a message of humility and peace:
“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.”
Last Words
According to reports, Pope Francis’s final spoken words were directed to his longtime healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, to whom he expressed gratitude for encouraging him to attend the Easter celebrations the day before:
“Thank you… for giving me the confidence to be with the faithful one last time.”
References
-
Vatican Press Office reports (April 2025)
-
Vatican TV announcement by Cardinal Kevin Farrell
-
Medical Bulletin, Domus Sanctae Marthae
-
Text of spiritual testament, Vatican Archives
-
Eyewitness accounts and Vatican staff interviews
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.