Pope Francis, a voice for the poor who overcame fierce resistance to reshape the Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican announced. The pope passed away the morning after the holiest day in the Christian year, when the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Despite his poor health, Francis was seen a number of times in public at the Vatican during Holy Week, culminating in an Easter Sunday appearance where he delighted crowds at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The pope’s death was announced “with deep sorrow” by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who said Francis died at 7:35 a.m local time (1.35 a.m. ET). Until a new pope is chosen, Farrell acts as the head of the Vatican.

Pope Francis, who served as the leader of the Catholic Church since 2013, has died at the age of 88. who served as the leader of the Catholic Church since 2013, has died at the age of 88. “Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta,” the Vatican announced via social media on Monday, April 21. “Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” a statement from Cardinal Kevin Farrell said.

POPE Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died, the Vatican said in a video statement on Easter Monday. He was 88, and had recently survived a serious bout of double pneumonia. King Charles posted his tribute on X, saying he will be remembered for his "compassion". He added: "Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many." In a statement, Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, said his death is a reminder of “his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs”.