On April 21, 2025, the world woke to the somber news that Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the Catholic Church, passed away at 88 on Easter Monday. The question on many minds—how did Pope Francis pass?—has sparked widespread curiosity and grief. The Vatican announced his death at 7:35 a.m. local time, just a day after he delivered his final Easter blessing from St. Peter’s Square. This blog dives into the latest updates, exploring the circumstances of his passing, reactions from global leaders, and the rituals now unfolding in the Vatican.
The Argentine pontiff, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had been battling severe health issues in recent months. His death marks the end of a transformative 12-year papacy that championed humility, mercy, and outreach to the marginalized. As mourners gather in St. Peter’s Square and Catholics worldwide reflect on his legacy, the details of his final moments are emerging.
How Did Pope Francis Pass? Health Struggles in Focus
The Vatican has not officially confirmed the precise cause of death, but recent reports provide clues about how did Pope Francis pass. In February 2025, the pope was hospitalized for bronchitis, which developed into life-threatening double pneumonia. He spent 38 days in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, enduring multiple episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency. Doctors performed bronchoscopies to clear his airways after bronchospasms, and at one point, he was in critical condition. Released on March 23, Francis returned to his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, to recover.
However, Italy’s ANSA news agency, citing well-informed sources, suggested a cerebral hemorrhage, rather than respiratory issues, may have caused his death. This aligns with the suddenness of his passing, as he appeared in public on Easter Sunday, waving to crowds from his popemobile. Despite his frailty, he remained committed to his duties, refusing to resign as some speculated.
| Key Health Events | Details |
|---|---|
| Feb 14, 2025 | Hospitalized for bronchitis, later diagnosed with double pneumonia |
| March 6, 2025 | Released audio thanking supporters, recorded from hospital |
| March 23, 2025 | Discharged after 38 days, appeared on hospital balcony |
| April 20, 2025 | Gave Easter blessing in St. Peter’s Square |
| April 21, 2025 | Died at 7:35 a.m., possible cerebral hemorrhage |
Global Tributes Pour In
The news of Pope Francis’ death triggered an outpouring of grief. In St. Peter’s Square, mourners lit candles and prayed before a framed photo of the pontiff. World leaders, from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Argentina’s government, which declared seven days of mourning, praised his compassion. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton highlighted Francis’ work with children injured in Ukraine, while Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney called him a “shepherd of deep moral clarity.”
For many, Francis’ humility resonated deeply. Alessia Saltini, an Italian tourist, told Reuters his death “struck in every sense,” noting his advocacy for migrants and the LGBTQ+ community. In Nigeria, Catholics expressed shock, with one worshiper hoping the next pope mirrors Francis’ simplicity. His decision to live in a modest Vatican guesthouse, rather than the Apostolic Palace, symbolized his rejection of extravagance.
How Did Pope Francis Pass? Rituals and Succession
As the Vatican navigates the sede vacante period, the question of how did Pope Francis pass intertwines with centuries-old rituals. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, announced his death and will oversee preparations. On April 21, at 8 p.m., Francis’ body was placed in a simple wooden coffin, per his wishes, in a chapel at Casa Santa Marta. Unlike predecessors, he requested no raised platform for public viewing, which may begin Wednesday in St. Peter’s Basilica. His funeral, expected within four to six days, will draw millions, as seen with Pope John Paul II’s 2005 service.
The conclave to elect a successor will convene 15 to 20 days after his death. Cardinals under 80, including those from Myanmar and Tonga, will gather in the Sistine Chapel. Speculation swirls around candidates like Cardinal Luis Tagle, a progressive Filipino, and Cardinal Robert Sarah, a conservative from Guinea. The diversity of the college of cardinals, expanded by Francis, makes the outcome unpredictable.
A Legacy of Change
Francis’ papacy redefined the Catholic Church. As the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, he prioritized the poor, condemned anti-gay laws, and tackled climate change. His critiques of capitalism stirred controversy among conservatives, yet his warmth drew crowds globally. In 2022, he met Indigenous Canadians, expressing “sorrow and shame” for church-run residential school abuses. His 12-day Asia-Pacific tour in 2024, one of his last, underscored his commitment to interfaith dialogue.
Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments. Some users mourned his passing, citing his pneumonia battle, while others speculated about lung cancer, though unconfirmed. His final Easter address, urging joy in Christ’s resurrection, now feels poignant, delivered hours before his death.
What’s Next for the Church?
The Catholic Church faces a pivotal moment. Francis’ death, so soon after Easter, carries symbolic weight. CNN’s Christopher Lamb noted the fitting timing, as Easter centers on death and new life. The nine-day mourning period, Novendiale, has begun, with requiem masses worldwide. In Buenos Aires, Catholics filled the Metropolitan Cathedral, while St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York scheduled a special Mass.
For many, Francis was a bridge between tradition and modernity. His choice to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore, not the Vatican Grottoes, breaks with custom, reflecting his unique approach. As the Church prepares for a new pope, his legacy of empathy endures.
The question—how did Pope Francis pass?—may never have a single answer. Whether pneumonia or a sudden hemorrhage, his death closes a chapter of hope and challenge. As we await the conclave, let’s honor his call to serve the marginalized and live with humility. What are your thoughts on his legacy? Share below, and stay tuned for updates on the Vatican’s next steps.