Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88, in his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta. His death was officially announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who expressed deep sorrow at the loss and gratitude for the Pope’s unwavering dedication to the Church and the Gospel:
“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 late Pope had been hospitalized at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in February 2025 after suffering from bronchitis, which later worsened into bilateral pneumonia. After a 38-day stay, he returned to his residence to continue his recovery. Pope Francis had a long history of respiratory health problems, dating back to a lung operation in his 20s in Argentina, and had frequently battled bouts of illness in recent years.
The Spiritans working in Italy have a happy memory of Pope Francis who, on 8 May 2023, granted them a papal audience on the 175th anniversary of the fusion of the Congregation (see Spiritan Newsflash No. 52, 10 May 2023). His address to the Spiritans in Rome and worldwide will always remain our precious Spiritan patrimony.
In April 2024, Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, emphasising simplicity and faith in the Risen Christ. The arrangements for his funeral, guided by this revised rite, have not yet been announced.
On behalf of the Superior General and the entire Congregation, we extend our deepest condolences upon the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. His unwavering dedication to the mission of Christ, his profound wisdom, and his tireless service as the universal shepherd of the Church have left an indelible mark on the faithful across the world.
We are profoundly grateful for his exemplary leadership, his boundless compassion, and his steadfast commitment to fostering unity and peace among nations. His life was a testament to humility and unwavering faith, and his teachings will continue to inspire generations to come.
In this time of mourning, we unite in prayer with the Church and all those who grieve his passing, entrusting him to the loving embrace of our merciful God. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to guide and illuminate the path of the faithful.
