Heartfelt tributes are being paid to Pope Francis, who sadly passed away on Easter Monday, after spending his life “dedicated to the service to the Church.” Both King Charles and Sir Keir Starmer have issued statements.
The Vatican confirmed the 88-year-old passed away at around 7.30am this morning from a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure. Cardinal Ferrell revealed the sad news at the Casa Santa Marta, close to St Peter’s Basilica. He said: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35am, 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 marginalized. 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.”
He had suffered health issues for several months after being admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome for treatment for bronchitis on February 14. As a result of his hospitalisation, the pontiff’s events were subsequently cancelled. Since he was taken to the hospital, the Vatican released regular updates on his condition and today’s announcement came hours after the Pope blessed Easter crowds on Sunday from the pope mobile.
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Pope Francis decreed in his will that he will be buried in St. Mary Major Basilica in a simple underground tomb – with only “Franciscus” written on it.
St. Mary Major Basilica is home to Francis’ favorite icon of the Virgin Mary, to whom he was particularly devoted.
The pontiff thanked those who prayed for him and asked for continued prayers. “The suffering that became present in the latter part of my life I offered it to the Lord for world peace and brotherhood among peoples,” he concluded.
His will was dated June 29, 2022.
The Vatican says Pope Francis died of a cerebral stroke that put him into a coma and led to irreversible heart failure. The death was confirmed Monday by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the head of the Vatican’s health department.
In a statement, he noted that Francis also suffered from episodes of respiratory insufficiency and had had bilateral pneumonia, as well as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Francis died Monday at 7:35am.
The Vatican has said the cause of Pope Francis’ death was a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
The Vatican has just held a Rosary prayer for Pope Francis following his death this morning.
Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, led the Vatican’s first public commemoration following the pope’s death. At the start of the Rosary, Gambetti bowed before an icon of the Madonna as a choir sang.
The first reading was delivered by Sister Raffaella Petrini, the president of the Vatican City State and one of the highest ranking women at the Vatican, whose appointment was a sign of his insistance that women be given more prominent, decision-making roles.
Pope Francis’ death has prompted a nine-day period of mourning called Novemdiales.
After this, all cardinals under the age of 80 will meet to pick the next leader of the Catholic Church.
It usually takes between two and three weeks for a new pope to be chosen.
All professional football matches have been postponed in Argentina following the Pope’s death, the country’s soccer body AFA said.
Games that have been moved to Tuesday will begin with a minute of silence to mourn Francis, who was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires before being elected pope. Games in Italy have also been postponed.
Argentina’s President, Javier Milei, has declared seven days of mourning.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says “the pope has done a lot of good not only for his flock, but also for the entire world.”
He noted in televised remarks that Pope Francis passed away immediately after Easter, suggesting, “This is a special sign that the person has lived their life not in vain and has done a lot of good.”
President Donald Trump says he signed an executive order lowering U.S. flags at half-staff in recognition of the passing of Pope Francis.
“He was a good man,” Trump said. “He loved the world and it’s an honor to do that.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Francis leaves behind “a legacy of faith, service and compassion for all — especially those left on the margins of life or trapped by the horrors of conflict.”
Guterres said the United Nations was greatly inspired by his message during a visit to U.N. headquarters in 2015, supporting the organization’s ideal of “a united human family.”
In Francis’ hometown of Buenos Aires, Argentines gathered for Mass. Some cried. “I think he was a rebel. He may have been contradictory, but that was nice, too,” said worshipper Catalina Favaro. Bishop Jorge García Cuerva told those gathered that “the pope of everyone has died. The pope of all humanity who insisted one and a thousand times that there must be room for everyone.”
The pope’s beloved soccer team – Buenos Aires club San Lorenzo, who nickname is “The Saints” – wrote “Goodbye, Holy Father” on its website. The team won the national championship in 2013, the year Francis was elected pope.
The Pope’s cause of death is yet to be revealed. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in an announcement of the death.
Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.
The Pope must be buried between the fourth and sixth day after his death.
After the funeral, there will be nine days of official mourning, known as the “novendiali” during which the cardinals arrive in Rome. A private meeting must then begin 15-20 days after the “sede vacante” (seat being vacant) is declared, although it can start sooner if the cardinals agree.
Only cardinals under age 80 are eligible to vote for a papal successor in the Sistine Chapel. According to the most recently updated Vatican statistics, there were 135 cardinals under age 80 and eligible to vote. Cardinals over age 80 can be elected pope.
Those over 80 can’t vote but can participate in pre-conclave meetings, known as general congregations, in which church problems are discussed.
Currently, speculation is focusing on the following men to succeed Pope Francis:
Speaking on the Pope’s death, Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill said catholics around the world will “feel his loss deeply.”
She wrote on X: “I am very sad to learn of the death of Pope Francis, a man of great faith and a strong, determined leader. During his visit to Ireland in 2018, he spoke passionately in support of the peace process. He also marked the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, giving thanks for the peace it delivered in Ireland.
“Pope Francis showed compassion on LGBT issues and condemned right-wing extremists and he was ahead of many world leaders in speaking out against the Israeli war in Gaza. His efforts to reach out and acknowledge past wrongs should also be recognised. Catholics right across the world, including here in Ireland, will feel his loss deeply.
“I extend my condolences to Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Eamon Martin, Church leaders here in Ireland and throughout the world.”
In a message of condolences following Pope Francis’ death on Monday, Italian President Sergio Mattarella believes his final public act on Easter Sunday “felt like his final goodbye.”
After delivering the blessing, Francis delighted the crowd of some 35,000 people with a long loops of greeting from his popemobile.
“One thought stands out over everything — what he decided to do yesterday — on Easter, with his blessing to the world and his tour of the square among the faithful, with his final reminder of the principle of humanity as the criterion of conduct for each person,” Mattarella said. “Today it appears as a greeting to the church, to women and men around the world.”
Spain has declared three days of mourning following the death of Pope Francis.
The period will start on Tuesday, Justice Minister Félix Bolaños said on Monday.
Bolaños on X called Francis a “good man and a great Pope” and praised his defense of the weak, saying that Francis’s “reformist” 12-year papacy would “leave a great legacy in the Church and in the world.”
Former US president Barack Obama has said Pope Francis “made us want to be better people”.
Sharing a picture to X of the pair smiling as they shook hands in the White House’s Oval Office in 2015, Mr Obama said: “Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people.
“In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound – embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another.
“Today, Michelle and I mourn with everyone around the world – Catholic and non-Catholic alike – who drew strength and inspiration from the Pope’s example.
“May we continue to heed his call to ‘never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope’.”
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 weeks after a severe dose of double pneumonia.
His possible cause of death has been attributed to a ‘cerebral haemorrhage’, possibly a stroke, according to Italian media outlets La Repubblica and La Stampa.
The Bishop of Rome, which was one of his official titles, died on Easter Monday just hours after addressing the crowds in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
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Thousands of mourners continue to pay their respects St Peter’s Square following the death of Pope Francis.
His death comes after he appeared in St Peter’s Square yesterday, wishing thousands of worshippers “Happy Easter.”
The date will be confirmed when cardinals gather Tuesday morning, for the first time since Francis’ death, to make the first decisions about funeral plans and other urgent matters.
Francis’ coffin will be moved from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel, where he lived, to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing.
According to a new ritual Francis approved last year, the body of the pope will be placed in a wooden coffin, with a zinc coffin inside. The pope will be dressed in red liturgical vestments, his miter — the traditional headdress of bishops — and the pallium woolen stole, a kind of scarf.
When the body is brought into the basilica, the Litany of Saints chant is sung. The camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, leads the procession.
No date for the funeral has been announced, but it must be held between four and six days after the death.
Poignant photographs depicting Pope Francis’s life have shown the head of the Catholic Church interacting with people from all walks of life – after it was announced that he died on Easter Monday.
Pope Francis became the leader of 1.3 billion Catholics in 2013 – following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He was known for being passionate about climate change and critical of consumerism.
The news came after it was revealed that the pontiff had been experiencing health problems including double pneumonia.
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The Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has offered prayers and condolences for Pope Francis to his spiritual brothers, sisters and followers around the world.
He said in a letter that Francis had dedicated himself to the service of others, “consistently revealing by his own actions how to live a simple, but meaningful life. The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warm-hearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can.”
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”
Irish leaders have paid tribute to Pope Francis as an “exceptional” and “remarkable figure” who spoke up for the poor and marginalised.
The President of Ireland said Pope Francis had approached his papacy with “a unique humility” and advocated for the importance of human dignity.
Michael D Higgins also said Pope Francis had sought to play a “positive role” on issues such as attitudes to women and the LGBT+ community in the Church.
Irish premier Micheal Martin said Pope Francis held “a special place in the hearts of Irish people”, while deputy premier Simon Harris said he “bore his illness with great dignity and courage”.
Former US president Joe Biden has said Pope Francis will be remembered as “one of the most consequential leaders of our time”.
“He was unlike any who came before him,” Mr Biden said in a statement posted to X.
“Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him.
“As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths.
“For decades, he served the most vulnerable across Argentina and his mission of serving the poor never ceased.
“He commanded us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climate crisis. He advocated for the voiceless and powerless. He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church.
“He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe. And above all, he was a Pope for everyone. He was the People’s Pope – a light of faith, hope, and love.”
The Vatican has delivered a major announcement on the status of a Brit teen’s sainthood following the Pope’s death.
Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old London-born Italian whose body has been preserved for 19 years, was due to receive his sainthood from the late Pope Francis I on April 27
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Irish President Michael Higgins says Pope Francis’ recognition of the “essential dignity” of every human being helped him confront issues such as climate change and the plight of migrants, as well as the child sexual abuse scandal that has rocked the church.
Higgins, who has been Ireland’s president since 2011, said he discussed these issues with Francis during five meetings over the course of his papacy.
During his last visit to Ireland in 2018, Francis spoke about the child sexual abuse scandal that has undermined support for the church in the once overwhelmingly Catholic country.
“On such matters, and on others such as attitudes towards women and those of the LGBTQ+ community within the Church, Pope Francis sought to play a positive role,” Higgins said. “I recall at the end of our meetings he would say as to his work on such issues, ‘it is very difficult’, as he asked for and offered prayers.”
More UK politicians have come forward to pay tribute to Pope Francis following his death on Easter Monday.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch praised the pontiff’s “humility, courage and conviction”. Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, calls Pope Francis a “leader of compassion and courage”.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage says his “sympathies go out to all in the Catholic Church”. Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay praises the Pope’s “commitment to addressing both the climate crisis and poverty around the world”.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney says the Pope “brought comfort, assurance and hope”. Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan praises the late Pope’s “example of compassionate leadership”.
The first formal Vatican service for Francis will occur on Monday evening with the confirmation of the pope’s death and the placement of the body in the coffin.
The Vatican released the announcement from Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the master of liturgical ceremonies. The presiding prelate is Cardinal Joseph Farrell, the camerlengo who has taken over the administration of the Holy See and will remain in charge until a new pope is elected.
Those invited to attend the ceremony, which will take place in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where Francis lived, are the dean of the College of Cardinals, any relatives of the pope, the director and vice director of the Vatican’s health department.
According to the new rites and rituals Francis approved last year, the body will remain in the chapel for a few days before being brought for public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica. After that there will be the funeral and conclave to elect a new pope.
The Union flag will be flown half mast at royal residences where the King is not in residence.
Sombre music will played at the Changing the Guard ceremony to reflect “the sadness of the occasion”, a royal source said.
A member of the royal family is expected to attend the Pope’s funeral, if the Vatican is in agreement, but it is too early to say who will travel to pay their respects.
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An Irish-born cardinal made the announcement to the world that Pope Francis had died.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, 77, confirmed that the head of the Catholic Church had died on Easter Monday after bouts of ill health including pneumonia. Cardinal Farrell is camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, a key role during “sede vacante”, the period when the Church is without a pope.
Kevin Joseph Farrell was born on September 2 1947 in Dublin and lived on Galtymore Park in Drimnagh, Dublin. After finishing primary and secondary school, he attended the University of Salamanca in Spain and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, before being ordained as a priest on December 24 1978.
In August 2016, Pope Francis called him to serve in the Roman Curia, as prefect of the new Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life. Father Michael Collins, who has authored books about Pope Francis, said that as camerlengo, Cardinal Farrell had the role of verifying the Pope’s death.
“So what happens next is, it was an Irishman, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who actually made the official announcement of the Pope’s death to the world,” he told RTE Radio. “He is what’s called the camerlengo, the key keeper, and he’s got the position of verifying the pope’s death.”
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