Pope Francis Dies at 88 in Vatican Residence After Easter Peace Plea

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 in his Vatican residence, less than 24 hours after delivering a final Easter message of peace to thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square.

The Vatican’s camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, confirmed the pontiff passed away at 7:35 a.m. Monday in Casa Santa Marta, where he had lived since the beginning of his papacy in 2013.

“Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Farrell said in a statement. “He dedicated his life to the service of the Lord and the Church, with courage, humility, and love for the poor and marginalized.”

Funeral arrangements are expected to follow new guidelines approved by Pope Francis in 2024, focusing on simplicity and spiritual reflection rather than ceremony. His body was reportedly moved directly to the coffin in accordance with revised liturgical practices, with services to be held at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.

The 266th pope, Francis succeeded Pope Benedict XVI and led the Catholic Church for 12 years. His death comes just a month after he was discharged from hospital following a five-week battle with double pneumonia.

Church authorities say preparations for the papal conclave to elect his successor will begin shortly. Archbishop Diego Ravelli emphasized that the funeral rites would reflect Francis’ desire to be remembered as a servant of Christ, rather than a figure of worldly power.