Pope Francis dies aged 88
Pope Francis has passed away after leading the Roman Catholic church for 12 years
Last updated 21st Apr 2025
Pope Francis, leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died aged 88
The Vatican confirmed the Pope's death, saying 'His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.'
Just yesterday the Pope appeared in front of the Vatican to wish many thousands gathered there a happy Easter and met with US vice-president JD Vance.
He was hospitalised earlier this year after developing pneumonia in both his lungs but had been released from hospital on March 23rd.
Earlier this month King Charles and Queen Camilla met His Holiness while they were visiting Italy.
His Majesty The King has issued the following message:
‘My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.
His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others. His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.
The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month. We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.’
The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also issued his own tribute.
The Vatican statement announcing the death of the Pope
Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the news in a statement released by the Vatican: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
"At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and 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 marginalised.
"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."
The life of Pope Francis
Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires in Argentina named Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936.
After being ordained a Catholic Priest in 1969 he became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001.
He was elected as Pope in 2013 at the age of 76 after Pope Benedict XVI resigned.
The pope was admitted into hospital on the 14th February with pneumonia, something he has been at risk of due to developing pleurisy and having part of a lung removed as a younger man.