Pope Francis’ death: The final journey of a great soul|
This morning at 9:45, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Raman Church, made a solemn announcement from Casa Santa Marta:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father…”
A sad moment has come for Catholics around the world. Pope Francis, who devoted his entire life to the service of God and His Church, is no longer among the elderly.
Health Crisis and Final Period
On February 14, 2025, Pope Francis was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital after suffering from bronchitis for several days. On February 18, his doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia. After 38 days in hospital, he returned to the Vatican’s Case Santa Marta for his recovery phase.
Struggled with health throughout his life
Jorge Mario Bergoglio had part of one of his lungs removed in 1957, at the age of just 21, due to a severe infection. Respiratory issues did not leave him even in the last days of his life. In November 2023, he had to cancel his UAE trip due to flu and lung inflammation. His health often affected his duty, but his enthusiasm and spirit of service never diminished.
Pope Francis’s last special wish: Simple and devotional funeral
Pope Francis approved an updated liturgical book for papal funeral rites in April 2024 – Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis. It had changes that the official confirmation of death will now be in the chapel and not in his death room. The body will be placed in the coffin immediately. Funeral rites will be kept simple, devotional and faith-centered. These are based on Pope Francis’ personal requests. He wanted to be buried not as a worldly king, but as a shepherd and disciple of Christ.
Legacy: A life full of compassion
Pope Francis taught the Gospel values of living with fidelity, courage and universal love. He has always been sensitive to the poor and the underprivileged. His life was an example of a person full of truth, love and kindness, who tried to make the world a better place.
The date of Pope Francis’ funeral has not been officially announced yet. But his last rites will be performed according to the new updated rites, which he himself had prepared in the last phase of his life.
