Pope Francis Is Dead, Cause Of Death Emerges

Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 due to complications from pneumonia.

His death came just a day after a hopeful Easter appearance at Saint Peter’s Square.

Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. (local time), at the age of 88.

VerseNews gathered that the cause of death was complications arising from a severe bout of pneumonia, which had left him hospitalised for over a month earlier this year.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell stated in an emotional announcement broadcast on the Vatican’s official television channel and Telegram channel.

“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. 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.”

His death came just a day after his surprise appearance on Easter Sunday at Saint Peter’s Basilica, where he briefly greeted worshippers with a smile and a wave, offering his traditional Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and the World”) benediction and calling for peace, freedom of thought, and tolerance. Despite still recovering from his illness, the gesture was seen as a moment of hope by the Catholic faithful.

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Earlier in the year, Francis had twice come close to death due to complications from pneumonia. He was hospitalised for 38 days before being discharged on March 23.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Argentina, Francis was elected pope in 2013 following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He made history as the first Jesuit pope, the first from Latin America, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere.

A conclave to elect his successor will be held within the next 20 days.

Key Facts about Pope Francis:

• Given Name: Jorge Mario Bergoglio
• Date of Birth: December 17, 1936
• Country of Origin: Argentina
• Papacy: 2013 – 2025
• Legacy Highlights: United a divided Church post-Benedict, led significant reforms, denounced war and injustice, and became a powerful voice for the voiceless and the poor.

He will be remembered for his humility, compassion, and relentless advocacy for peace and human dignity.