VATICAN CITY — April 21, 2025
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, solemnly announced the death of Pope Francis this morning from the Casa Santa Marta. At 9:45 AM local time, Cardinal Farrell delivered the official statement with deep emotion, saying:
“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. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. 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 Holy Father passed away peacefully at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta at the age of 88. His death marks the end of a historic papacy and initiates the sede vacante—the period during which the See of Rome is vacant.
Later in the day, Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, provided further information to the press. He noted that the late Pope’s body is expected to be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning, April 23, to allow the faithful to venerate his mortal remains and offer their prayers.
“The translation of the Holy Father's mortal remains to the Vatican Basilica, for the veneration of all the faithful, may take place on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025,” Mr. Bruni stated. “Arrangements will be finalized and communicated tomorrow, following the first Congregation of the Cardinals.”
The rite of the certification of death and the placement of the Pope’s body in the coffin took place at 8:00 PM on Monday evening in the chapel located on the ground floor of the Casa Santa Marta. During the brief ceremony, the official declaration of death was read and validated by Cardinal Farrell. The ceremony lasted just under an hour.
In accordance with tradition, seals were placed on the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace and on the private residence in the Casa Santa Marta. These seals mark the end of the late Pontiff's earthly governance and preserve the integrity of the Holy See's transition process.
Mr. Bruni also confirmed that Pope Francis’ closest collaborators began to pay their final respects Monday evening. A deep sense of mourning has enveloped the Vatican and the global Catholic community.
The first General Congregation of Cardinals is scheduled for Tuesday morning, April 22. During this initial meeting, the College of Cardinals will begin preparations for the late Pope’s funeral rites and discuss the forthcoming conclave to elect his successor.
As the Church enters a period of mourning and reflection, millions around the world join in prayer for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis—remembered as a shepherd who led with humility, simplicity, and an unwavering commitment to the marginalized.
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