The Vatican announced in a video that Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, after suffering from various illnesses during his 12-year reign.

Pope Francis attends an event at the Vatican in 2022 – Photo: AFP

In a video statement on April 21, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had passed away at the age of 88.

“At 7:35 this morning (April 21), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to his Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement.

“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in the opening video announcement, thanking the Pope for a life dedicated to serving God and his Church.

“With deep gratitude for his example as a true disciple of Jesus, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite and merciful love of the Triune God,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell added.

Pope Francis died just one day after making a surprise appearance on the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican) to bless the faithful attending Easter Mass.

Still recovering from double pneumonia, the Pope did not preside over the Easter Mass but appeared for a few minutes to give the Urbi et Orbi (To the city of Rome and the world) blessing and deliver a message.

This year’s message, read by a papal associate due to his poor health, called for an end to conflict and a move towards peace, with a particular focus on the situation in the Gaza Strip.

“Love conquers hatred, light conquers darkness and truth conquers lies. Forgiveness conquers hatred. Evil has not disappeared from history. It will remain until the end of time, but it no longer has the upper hand. It no longer has power over those who accept the grace of today,” Pope Francis urged.

Pope Francis makes a surprise appearance and greets cardinals during Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on April 13, 2025 – Photo: REUTERS

Previously, the Vatican also said that US Vice President JD Vance visited and met privately with the Pope at his residence on April 20. He was also the last high-ranking leader to meet with Pope Francis before he passed away a day later.

The meeting was described as lasting “just a few minutes”, mainly to exchange Easter greetings.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope on March 13, 2013. He impressed with his special concern for the poor – who are considered the weaker classes in society.

Pope Francis’ health has been steadily declining since he was hospitalized in Rome, Italy, on February 14. The head of the Catholic Church had difficulty breathing for several days and was diagnosed with double pneumonia.

The medical team treating him said that due to his advanced age and having had surgery to remove part of a lung when he was young, Pope Francis was considered a “very fragile patient”.

The Holy See has repeatedly announced that he is in “critical” condition.

However, the Pope overcame and was discharged from the hospital at the end of March. While doctors asked him to limit work and participation in crowded events for the next few weeks to recover his health.

Pope Francis releases a dove symbolizing peace in May 2013 – Photo: VATICAN NEWS

Pope Francis appeared in public on March 23 – Photo: AFP

Pope Francis blesses a believer during his weekly general audience in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican August 9, 2023 – Photo: REUTERS

Pope Francis sits among nuns during his weekly general audience in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican on February 5, 2025 – Photo: REUTERS

Pope Francis at the Vatican on February 14, 2025 – Photo: REUTERS

Pope Francis meets US Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican on April 20, 2025 – Photo: AFP

Pope Francis delivers the Urbi et Orbi blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica during Easter Mass on April 20, 2025, the last time the Pope appeared in public before his death – Photo: AFP

Pope Francis waves to the faithful from his motorcade after Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square on April 20 – Photo: AFP