Pope Francis Dies at 88: Vatican Mourns as Funeral Plans Announced

Pope Francis Dies at 88: The World Reacts

The death of Pope Francis at age 88 has sent ripples through the Vatican and beyond. Confirmed by the Holy See on April 21, 2025, the pontiff’s passing followed a stroke that led to an irreversible shutdown of his heart and circulation. It wasn’t entirely unexpected—he had been under hospital care for respiratory problems since February, and Vatican insiders described a constant watch over his health as he faded in and out of consciousness over recent weeks.

The official Vatican medical release cites a stroke as the immediate cause of death, but adds that existing conditions made recovery impossible. Francis had battled bilateral pneumonia for months, dealt with bronchiectases (a chronic lung condition), struggled with persistent high blood pressure, and lived with Type II diabetes. These longstanding issues compromised his immune system and sapped his energy, despite the best medical care in Rome.

Vatican Prepares to Say Goodbye

Pope Francis spent his final hours in the modest Chapel of Santa Marta, the Vatican home he famously chose over the opulent papal apartments. The plan for his farewell is steeped in tradition yet marked by his humble personal style. Early on April 22, the late pope’s body will be transferred from Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a key figure in the Vatican’s administration, will lead a prayer as the procession begins, marking a solemn tribute before the public can pay their respects.

Once his body arrives at St. Peter's Basilica, it will be placed at the Altar of the Confession, located just beneath Michelangelo’s legendary dome. Worshippers and admirers from around the world will be allowed to visit, offering prayers and farewells in the central heart of the Catholic faith. The procession will wind its way through Vatican City, passing by places Francis held dear, before it finally enters the massive St. Peter’s Square—a symbolic gesture of returning the pope to the people he served.

The funeral date is set for April 26. Vatican officials say the service will follow the lines of papal funerals throughout history, complete with music, prayers, and readings that span several languages. Given Francis’s reputation for simplicity and his deep concern for the poor, many expect touches that reflect his personal preferences rather than strict adherence to grand ritual. Dignitaries from all over the world, including heads of state and religious leaders, will attend, alongside thousands of ordinary Catholics.

• The official medical documentation, known in the Vatican as electrocardiographic thanatography, was released to guarantee full transparency regarding his death.
• Pope Francis had spent the last decade redefining the papacy with a focus on inclusion, environmentalism, and social justice—his absence leaves a gap many feel will be hard to fill.
• The upcoming days will also see global Catholic communities gathering for prayers and memorials, reflecting on Francis’s impact and his hopes for the Church’s future.

Even in his final arrangements, Pope Francis’s signature blend of tradition and humility guides every step. With the world now watching, the Vatican prepares one of history’s most public goodbyes, as millions look back on the legacy of a pope who tried to make the Church a home for everyone.