Pope Francis died Monday at his Vatican residence. He was 88.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the pope’s death from the Casa Santa Marta. Francis died at 7:35 a.m., Farrell said.
“With deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Farrell said. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.”
Francis had been hospitalized in February with bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia. After 38 days at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, he returned to the Vatican to continue his recovery.
The pope had a history of respiratory issues dating to his youth in Argentina, where part of his lung was removed in 1957 due to a severe infection.
In recent years, he frequently battled respiratory illnesses, including a November 2023 case of influenza and lung inflammation that forced him to cancel a trip to the United Arab Emirates.
In April 2024, Francis approved updates to the liturgical book governing papal funeral rites. The revised rites emphasize simplicity and focus on faith in the Resurrection, rather than worldly pomp.
“The renewed rite seeks to emphasize even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ, not of a powerful person of this world,” said Archbishop Diego Ravelli, master of papal liturgical ceremonies.