Breaking: Pope Francis dies at 88 - The Vatican Confirms

Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88.

The death was confirmed by the Vatican on Monday in a video statement.  

Francis became pope in 2013. In recent years, the 88-year-old was forced to cancel some events, sometimes at the last minute, because of his health

Pope Francis had recently survived a serious bout of double pneumonia.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said in an announcement.

Bells tolled in church towers across Rome after the announcement.

Vatican News wrote, "Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta,".

Pope Francis dedicated his Easter Urbi et Orbi message to calling for peace worldwide, for global disarmament and for the release of prisoners.

“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and respect for the views of others.”

After the blessing, he greeted the thousands in St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile for the first time since he was discharged from the hospital in March.