The Pope of the people: Francis dies at 88

Vatican City.- Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican announced with “profound grief” that the Holy Pontiff passed away at 7:35 AM on Easter Monday at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, following a period of respiratory complications.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s Camerlengo, confirmed the death in a brief statement to the media. “With profound grief, I announce the death of the Pope at 7:35 this morning, when the Bishop of Rome, Francis, has returned to the house of the Father,” Farrell stated, adding that the Pope’s “entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and the Church.” The Vatican News agency also released a message in Italian stating, “Ya está en los brazos del Padre” (He is now in the arms of the Father).

The Pope’s health had been a concern in recent months, marked by several respiratory issues. His death comes after having been hospitalized for over two weeks recently due to a respiratory complication. Although discharged days prior, his health remained fragile.

His final public appearance occurred just hours before his death, on Easter Sunday, where he delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi (To the City and the World) blessing from the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square. He also rode through the square in the popemobile after the Easter Mass, reportedly against the advice of his doctors, greeting thousands of gathered faithful. On Sunday, he also received U.S. Vice President JD Vance in a meeting described as cordial.

In the last two months, Pope Francis had experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure attributed to endobronchial mucus accumulation. His initial hospitalization for this occurred on February 14 at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome. His recovery faced complications, including respiratory crises, a polymicrobial infection, and kidney failure, necessitating blood transfusions and oxygen administration. He was noted to not be using a nasal cannula during his last public appearance.

Medical advisors had recommended he avoid large gatherings to minimize virus exposure due to his delicate health, but he chose to be among the faithful on Easter Sunday.

Known for his often outspoken views on social justice and global issues, Pope Francis used his final public messages to reiterate his anti-war stance and call for peace in ongoing conflicts. His last post on social media, published on Easter Sunday, reflected on Christ’s resurrection and the meaning of existence: “Christ is risen! In this announcement is contained the whole meaning of our existence, which is not made for death, but for life.”

Following the announcement, tributes poured in from around the world. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez lamented the loss, stating that the Pope’s “commitment to peace, social justice and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy.”

In Spain, the Community of Madrid was the first to decree three days of official mourning. The Spanish football league announced a temporary suspension, and major clubs, including Real Madrid, issued condolences.

The death of Pope Francis plunges the Catholic Church into a period of “sede vacante” (vacant see). Cardinals from around the globe are expected to gather in Vatican City to begin the process of electing a new pontiff in a papal conclave, which will take place after the funeral rites for the late Pope are completed.

In a personal decision that alters current norms, Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, rather than within the Vatican.