Pope Francis dies aged 88, Vatican confirms - latest updates (2025)

Cause of death confirmed

Pope Francis died from stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure, the Vatican confirmed on Monday evening.

His death certificate read: "I certify that His Holiness Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) born in Buenos Aires (Argentina) on December 17, 1936, Resident in Vatican City, Vatican Citizen, died at 7.35 am on April 21, 2025 in his apartment at the Domus Santa Marta (Vatican City) due to: stroke, coma, irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse."

Full story here.

'We were watching a dying Pope'

Former President Mary McAleese believes Pope Francis knew that his final public appearance during mass on Easter Sunday would be his last.

“He looked to me like a man that was about to spend his last breath doing the thing he wanted to do, McAleese said on RTÉ Radio One.

"As he went around in the Popemobile the young priest was constantly checking with him. We were watching a dying Pope yesterday.”

Full story here.

A life in pictures

Pope Francis packed a lot into his 88 years, from humble beginnings in Argentina to head of the Catholic Church.

Check out our gallery of images throughout his long and distinguished life here.

Pope Francis: Details of final day, including Easter celebrations, Popemobile drive and meeting with JD Vance

Pope Francis had a busy final day celebrating Easter Sunday, greeting crowds in St Peter’s Square and meeting US vice-president JD Vance.

He emerged from his convalescence on Sunday morning to bless the thousands of people in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City, treating them to a surprise Popemobile drive through the piazza.

The 88-year-old stopped occasionally to bless babies taken up to him, and said: “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.”

Full story - Pope Francis: Details of final day, including Easter celebrations, Popemobile drive and meeting with JD Vance

'He looked to me like a man that was about to spend his last breath doing the thing he wanted to do' - Former Irish president Mary McAleese

Former Irish president Mary McAleese said she believed Pope Francis was going to die when she watched him on TV at Easter Sunday mass in the Vatican.

Ms McAleese, who has been critical of the late Pontiff, believed he knew his final public appearance two days ago would be his last.

While watching him on television she turned to her husband and said: “He looks like a man that might die today”.

Speaking to RTÉ Radio 1, she added: “He looked to me like a man that was about to spend his last breath doing the thing he wanted to do. As he went around in the popemobile the young priest was constantly checking with him. We were watching a dying Pope yesterday.”

Worshipers claim they saw 'crying' statue hours before Pope's death

Catholic worshippers have claimed to witness a miracle just days before the death of Pope Francis I was announced.

The worshippers claim to have seen a statue of the Virgin Mary apparently weeping during Easter worship. They say that saw the 'crying' statue at a Good Friday service, during Holy Week in the town of Aguas Claras, in Colombia. During the traditional Sermon of the Seven Words, attendees at St John Eudes Parish say they witnessed what many have reportedly called a miracle. The "Sermon of the Seven Words" refers to the seven sayings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, which he reportedly said during his crucifixion on Good Friday.

The video appears to show a statue of the Virgin Mary with what those who were there claim were tears running down her cheeks. The alleged phenomenon was captured in video footage that quickly spread all over social media.

Full story - Worshipers claim they saw 'crying' statue hours before Pope's death

Who will succeed Pope Francis? Main contenders in the running to become next Pontiff

The news that Pope Francis has passed away has sent the Catholic Church into mourning, but as people worldwide pray for the late church leader, attention is now turning around the world to the selection process for the new pope.

The 88-year-old Pontiff, who had been recovering from pneumonia, passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

What happens now is a hugely choreographed and rehearsed series of events, which will see nine days of mourning declared before Pope Francis’ funeral takes place.

Around two to three weeks after the funeral, the College of Cardinals will get together in the Sistine Chapel to hold a conclave - the extremely secretive process to elect the new pope.

Any male baptised Catholic is technically eligible to become pope, although for the last 700 years, they have always been chosen from the College of Cardinals.

Full story: Who will succeed Pope Francis? Main contenders in the running to become next Pontiff

'His unambiguous championing of the dignity of every human life from its beginning to the natural end' - Senator Rónán Mullen pays tribute to Pope Francis

Senator Rónán Mullen said: “I had the honour of meeting Pope Francis on numerous occasions when attending the annual Catholic legislators’ network meeting in Rome.

“In recent years I was deeply impressed by his generosity and self-giving as he insisted on meeting all present even when he was clearly tired and struggling.

“I recall his words on one occasion when we met: ‘Andate contro il corrente’ (‘Go against the current.’) Pope Francis practised what he preached. He was not afraid to go against powerful currents of opinion when fidelity to the Gospel was at stake.

“His unambiguous championing of the dignity of every human life from its beginning to the natural end, his love for the poor and those ‘on the peripheries’ in every way, his emphasis on God’s tender mercy and his concern for all of creation, will continue to inspire and challenge us all.

“Fittingly, the Holy Father has reached the goal of his life’s journey as Christians throughout the world celebrate Christ’s Resurrection and victory over death and the powers of darkness.

“May the Risen Christ embrace, welcome and reward him for his life of love and service.”

In pictures: Mourners gather in St Peter's Square to pray for Pope Francis

Mourners from all around the world are gathering in St Peter's Square, in Vatican City, to pay their respects to Pope Francis following his death on Easter Monday.

Shortly after noon Rome time, the great bells of St. Peter’s Basilica began tolling to mark the Pontiff’s death, with hundreds flocking to pay tribute to the pope after he died at the age of 88.

Photo story: In pictures: Mourners gather in St Peter's Square to pray for Pope Francis

First formal Vatican service for Pope Francis set for Monday evening

The first formal Vatican service for Francis will occur on Monday evening with the confirmation of the pope’s death and the placement of the body in the coffin.

The Vatican released the announcement from Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the master of liturgical ceremonies. The presiding prelate is Cardinal Joseph Farrell, the camerlengo who has taken over the administration of the Holy See and will remain in charge until a new pope is elected.

Those invited to attend the ceremony, which will take place in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where Francis lived, are the dean of the College of Cardinals, any relatives of the pope, the director and vice director of the Vatican’s health department.

According to the new rites and rituals Francis approved last year, the body will remain in the chapel for a few days before being brought for public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica. After that there will be the funeral and conclave to elect a new pope.

'May God Bless him and all who loved him' - US President Donald Trump pays tribute to Pope Francis

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”

'Pope Francis led the Church with extraordinary courage' - Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy

Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy TD said: “I share in the profound sadness of Catholics worldwide upon the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

“Pope Francis led the Church with extraordinary courage. He touched the lives of so many people and worked tirelessly to create a more just and compassionate world. Through his many simple acts of kindness and gentle leadership, he embodied Christ's teachings.

“We recall with particular affection his visit to Ireland in August 2018 for the World Meeting of Families, his sincere requests for forgiveness for past abuses, and the love he expressed for the Irish people.

“May his legacy of deep faith, simplicity and moral clarity endure and guide us in the future. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”

'He had a big heart for the poor, the migrant, the marginalised' - Bishop Michael Duignan pays tribute to Pope Francis

Bishop Michael Duignan, Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora, and Bishop of Clonfert said: "It is with profound sadness that I learnt this morning of the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis. He was an ever faithful servant in the vineyard of the Lord. In word and deed, he pointed to a loving and merciful God who reaches out to embrace all people.

"He had a big heart for the poor, the migrant, the marginalised. He dreamed of a Church as the people of God working together to make this often darkened world of ours a better place.

"I pray that he now enjoys the presence of God himself whom he loved with all his heart and served so faithfully in this life. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

Book of condolences for people to record their sympathy on the death of Pope Francis now available

A book of condolences for people to record their sympathy on the death of Pope Francis is now available on the homepage of Catholic Bishops website, found here, and on the Irish bishops’ social media platforms.

Who is Kevin Farrell, the Irish-born cardinal who announced death of Pope Francis?

An Irish-born cardinal made the announcement to the world that Pope Francis had died.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, 77, confirmed that the head of the Catholic Church had died on Easter Monday after bouts of ill health including pneumonia.

Cardinal Farrell is camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, a key role during "sede vacante", the period when the Church is without a pope.

Full story - Who is Kevin Farrell, the Irish-born cardinal who announced death of Pope Francis?

'A humble servant, a voice for the vulnerable, and a tireless advocate for peace and justice, his legacy will endure far beyond his years' - Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. A humble servant, a voice for the vulnerable, and a tireless advocate for peace and justice, his legacy will endure far beyond his years.

"On behalf of the people of Dublin, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic community here and around the world. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

'He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized'

Pope Francis has been described as a warm, likeable and determined man as tributes flow in from across the world following his death.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, from Dublin, announced the death of Pope Francis on Monday.

Speaking on the Vatican’s TV Channel, he said: “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness 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.”

The Pontiff died aged 88 after being admitted to Gemelli hospital in Rome on February 14, following breathing difficulties.

Days after this, the Vatican announced that he was in critical condition following a long asthmatic respiratory crisis.

He was discharged from hospital five weeks ago for an infection that led to double pneumonia and he passed away at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

Despite his ill health, his last public appearance was for an Easter Sunday blessing at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square.

Paying tribute to Pope Francis, Cardinal Farrell said: “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 favour 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."

Irish prelate and former Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin said he was a very determined man, who had a different approach to the church.

Speaking about his death, he said: “I was very shocked, yesterday we saw a very sick man but a man that was very determined. Someone said to me this pope will never retire, he will die working, he was a very determined man.

“He wanted to show us the way he lived was how a Christian should live, the first lesson we have to learn from his way is what the Christian life is about, and if we all lived that life we would change the world in a different way.

“It’s a very different church in many ways and the same church in many ways.”

Church of Ireland’s Primate of All Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh Rev John McDowell said Pope Francis had a “natural, self-authenticating authority”.

He added: “Pope Francis’ respect for every person, wherever they may have found themselves on life’s pilgrimage, was a powerful witness to the plenitude of God’s grace.

"Pope Francis’ brotherly affection for Christian people of all traditions, and for the whole of humanity, was worked out in practical action, particularly around the great defining issue for this era – the care of God’s creation.

"Pope Francis was manifestly a modest man of immovable faith who felt no need to cling frantically onto old certainties which no longer served God or His People."

Former president of Ireland Mary McAleese said Pope Francis’ legacy will be of “a man comfortable with a big debate”.

She acknowledged that he had a number of issues with the Pope, especially his stance on women in the church.

She said: “Was he a good pope? I think he tried his level best. Did he stop the hemorrhage in the church? No. In many ways, that was well advanced by the time he became pope.

“The church is a very old institution, that moves in centuries, not decades. He will be looked at as someone that helped the church to be better, to become better.

“Was he good for the church? I think he was. Was he the person that solved all the problems? No. As that would have defeated a team of popes. But he was a good man.”

'His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church' - Volodymyr Zelenskyy pays tribute to Pope Francis

Millions of people around the world are mourning the tragic news of Pope Francis’s passing. His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church.

He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We… pic.twitter.com/Ww6NtsbWWS

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 21, 2025

King Charles pays tribute to Pope Francis

King Charles has paid tribute to Pope Francis. It comes after he and Queen Camilla met with the Pope during a visit to Italy earlier this month.

The British King said: "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."

'He actively promoted the development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches'

"Please accept my most sincere condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, Reuters reports.

"Throughout the years of his pontificate, he actively promoted the development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive cooperation between Russia and the Holy See.

"In this sad hour, I would like to convey to you and the entire Catholic clergy my words of sympathy and support”.

Pope Francis' cause of death as pontiff dies after painful decline

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 weeks after a severe dose of double pneumonia.

The Bishop of Rome, which was one of his official titles, died on Easter Monday just hours after addressing the crowds in St Peter's Square in the Vatican.

He had appeared in his wheelchair on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica and waved to the worshippers below, saying: "Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter."

In a statement this morning, Cardinal Kevin Farrell - Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church - announced Pope Francis' death with the words: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.

"At 7:35 this morning (local time), 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."

Full story - Pope Francis' cause of death as pontiff dies after painful decline

The conclave: Inside room where new Pope and leader of Catholic church chosen

With the death of Pope Francis, many have been left wondering how a new pope is selected, in the wake of the pontiff's passing.

The highly secretive meeting - the Conclave - to choose the next pope takes place inside the Sistine Chapel, complete with its one-of-a-kind ceiling painted by Michelangelo and lasts for however long it takes those inside to decide on the next leader of the Catholic church.

Around two to three weeks after the pope's funeral, the College of Cardinals will get together in the chapel for the conclave. Technically, any baptised male Catholic is eligible to become pope, although for the last 700 years, they have always been chosen from within the College of Cardinals.

Full story - The conclave: Inside room where new Pope and leader of Catholic church chosen

President Michael D Higgins leads Irish political tributes following Pope Francis' death

President Michael D Higgins has led tributes to Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at 88.

In a lengthy statement, President Higgins reflected on his own meetings with Pope Francis and his comments on issues like LGBT rights and sexual abuse in religious-run organisations.

Full story - President Michael D Higgins leads Irish political tributes following Pope Francis' death

Pope Francis death sees Italy football chiefs make bombshell decision

Serie A have postponed all four games scheduled to take place on Easter Monday following the death of Pope Francis.

The Vatican announced the death of the 88-year-old pontiff early on Monday morning.

Four games had been scheduled to be held, with the first kicking off at 11.30am BST.

Tributes pour in from world leaders around the world for 'man of the people' Pope Francis

Tributes are pouring in from around the world following the sad death of Pope Francis.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof says "Pope Francis was in every way a man of the people."

Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter said Pope Francis was a "great spiritual leader, a tireless advocate for peace."

Scottish First Minister John Swinney describes him as "a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation."

White House pays tribute to Pope Francis

The White House paid tribute to Pope Francis following the announcement of his death this morning.

They simply wrote on X: "Rest in Peace, Pope Francis", alongside a picture of the Pope meeting US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania, and another picture of the Pope meeting JD Vance yesterday.

'Pope Francis’ respect for every person, wherever they may have found themselves on life’s pilgrimage, was a powerful witness to the plenitude of God’s grace'

The Most Rev John McDowell, the Church of Ireland’s Primate of All Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh, has issued the following statement on the announcement of the death of Pope Francis.

“I wish to extend my sympathy on behalf of the Church of Ireland to Archbishop Eamon Martin and to the Roman Catholic people of Ireland on the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. Pope Francis was invested not only with his share in the official magisterium of the Church he served so joyfully, but also with a natural, self-authenticating authority which was the fruit of a deep devotion to God and an equally deep commitment to the service of all of the people of God.

“Pope Francis’ respect for every person, wherever they may have found themselves on life’s pilgrimage, was a powerful witness to the plenitude of God’s grace, given as a gift to the world in His Son. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son…” and it was the whole world which expressed the magnitude of God’s love. Pope Francis’ brotherly affection for Christian people of all traditions, and for the whole of humanity, was worked out in practical action, particularly around the great defining issue for this era – the care of God’s creation.

“In at least two of Pope Francis’ Encyclicals – Laudato si’ and Fratelli tutti – he confronted the whole of humankind, believers and non-believers alike, with the scale of the challenges we face but also with an outline of the solidarity and the resources needed to tackle these challenges. It is difficult not to draw parallels with that other unlikely iconoclast Pope John XXIII in his involved goodness that had little time for an aloof and cool virtue which had no redemptive power in it. Laudato si’ in particular stands out as an historic and prophetic oracle.

“Pope Francis was manifestly a modest man of immovable faith who felt no need to cling frantically onto old certainties which no longer served God or His People. Drawing from the deep well of Scriptural resources acquired during a lifetime in the Ignatian tradition, Pope Francis was prepared to step out into a very unclear future in the company of Jesus Christ, which is “far better than a known way”.

“His loss will be felt very keenly throughout the Catholic world and my prayers in the coming weeks will be for all who are bereaved and diminished by the passing of a great man and a humble disciple of our common Lord, especially my brothers and sisters in Christ on the island of Ireland. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam”.

In pictures: People begin to gather at St Peter's square following the death of Pope Francis

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announces the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta

'Pope Francis will also be remembered for standing up for peace and justice in the face of global tension, instability and militarism' - Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald

Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald has expressed her deep sadness at the death of Pope Francis.

She said: “I want to express my deep sadness at the death of Pope Francis. For those of us who are Catholics this is a moment of huge loss.

“The death of Pope Francis will also be mourned by those across the globe who respected him as a courageous spiritual leader, a man of strong conviction, who stood up for those most marginalised and vulnerable. He led by seeking to reach-out to others in the spirit of humanity.

“Pope Francis will also be remembered for standing up for peace and justice in the face of global tension, instability and militarism - including unjust and illegal wars in Palestine, and Ukraine. Even while he was in hospital, he maintained almost nightly phone calls to a parish in Gaza City and he was resolute in his solidarity with the people of Gaza.

“The papal visit to Ireland in August 2018, as part of the World Meeting of Families at Croke Park, was an important occasion for both Ireland and the Church.

“At the Dublin Castle event, clerical abuse survivors, representatives from the institutional Church, government, and civic society, listened to Pope Francis acknowledge past failures and the subsequent hardship, suffering and trauma caused by clerical sex abuse, mother and baby homes, and Magdalene Laundries scandals. Pope Francis heard directly of the importance for healing and justice that was rightly expected and deserved by all victims and survivors.

“The papal visit marked the redefined role between Church and State, and how today Ireland balances its rich faith with the realities of a modern, pluralistic society.

“We deeply value the leadership given by Pope Francis throughout his papacy, his vital voice for peace and warmly recognise his thoughtful and courageous contributions, even as he battled ill health, and until his sad passing. He will be remembered as a good and decent man who led the Catholic Church with compassion and a genuine desire to bring the light of hope in an uncertain world.”