Cardinal Announces Death of Pope Francis: What It Means for the Church

Pope Francis, the first non-European leader of the Roman Catholic Church in over a thousand years, passed away at 88. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who praised Francis's dedication, faith, and love for the marginalized. The Church mourns the loss of a devoted servant of God.

admin Published: April 21, 2025 | Updated: May 3, 2025 1 min read

ROME — Pope Francis, the first non-European leader of the Roman Catholic Church in more than a millennium, has died at the age of 88. The announcement was delivered early Monday morning by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a senior Vatican official, from the Casa Santa Marta, the residence Pope Francis chose during his papacy.

“Brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, peacefully entered the eternal embrace of the Father,” announced Cardinal Farrell. “Throughout his extraordinary life, he served the Lord and His Church with unwavering devotion. He lived the Gospel with steadfast faith, remarkable courage, and a boundless love that touched the lives of the poor, the vulnerable, and all those on the margins. With profound gratitude for his life as a faithful servant and devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, we now entrust his soul to the infinite mercy and loving arms of our Triune God.”