Vatican City — April 21, 2025 — Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed this morning. His passing comes just one day after his final public appearance on Easter Sunday.

The announcement was delivered by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, the Pope’s residence. Standing alongside Cardinal Farrell were Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State; Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for General Affairs; and Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Ceremonies.

Details surrounding the cause of death have not yet been released. The Holy See is expected to issue further statements in the coming hours, including arrangements for the funeral and the upcoming conclave to elect the next pope.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first Jesuit pope, and the first from the Americas, when he was elected in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope Francis was widely regarded for his emphasis on mercy, his advocacy for the poor, and his efforts to reform the Roman Curia. He also became a prominent global voice on issues ranging from climate change to migration, interfaith dialogue, and economic justice.

This marks the end of a historic papacy that spanned more than a decade and sought to bring the Catholic Church closer to the people of the modern world.

Further updates will follow as this story develops.