- Pope Francis has died aged 88
- It comes after he suffered from double pneumonia
- He recently met with US Vice President JD Vance
Pope Francis has died aged 88 following his recovery from double pneumonia, say the Vatican.
The news was announced in a video statement delivered by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” he said in the clip.
Pope Francis has died.
— AJ+ (@ajplus) April 21, 2025
He dedicated himself to marginalized people – especially refugees – as the world’s politicians fought culture wars.
Here’s how the first Pope from the Global South changed the narrative: pic.twitter.com/aThNX66pJv
“At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/jUIkbplVi2
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Francis was the first ever papal figure from Latin America and was appointed to the position in March 2013. It followed the resignation of Pope Benedict. Prior to getting the Catholic church’s top spot, Francis was known as a defender of the poor and meek. He took this spirit into the Vatican and became known for defending vulnerable groups from attack and becoming one of the most liberal popes in the history of Catholicism.
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When did Pope Francis meet with JD Vance?
Francis recently did an audience with the US Vice President JD Vance despite vocalising his opposition to the Trump administration. The presidency has been defined by authoritarian crackdowns on women’s bodily autonomy, advocates against the genocide of the Palestinian people and other infringements.
Pope Francis has passed away. Yesterday he met with JD Vance in one of his final public appearances pic.twitter.com/02yjLn9YED
— Populism Updates (@PopulismUpdates) April 21, 2025
The pair met on Easter Sunday to “exchange Easter greetings” at the Domus Santa Marta for an estimated 17 minutes.
Vance told the Pope, “I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health. Thank you for seeing me.”
The Vatican added there had been an “exchange of opinions” including topics like immigration, refugees and international conflicts.
“Finally, hope was expressed for serene collaboration between the state and the Catholic church in the United States, whose valuable service to the most vulnerable people was acknowledged,” the spokesperson continued.
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. pic.twitter.com/pwvYdOMCn3
— Pop Base (@PopBase) April 21, 2025
What was Pope Francis’ last Easter message?
In what would be his final Urbi et Orbi message, Francis appealed for world leaders to help those most in need and to work towards peace.
Pope Francis appeared publicly just over 24 hours ago, when he wished worshippers in the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square a “Happy Easter”.
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) April 21, 2025
The Pope, 88, waved to cheering crowds from his wheelchair on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica. pic.twitter.com/G2SYlOh8R2
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“I appeal to all those in positions of political responsibility in our world not to yield to the logic of fear which only leads to isolation from others, but rather to use the resources available to help the needy, to fight hunger and to encourage initiatives that promote development. These are the ‘weapons’ of peace: weapons that build the future, instead of sowing seeds of death!,” he said in a pre-written statement.
