Pope Francis passed away due to a stroke that led to a coma and subsequent heart failure per the Vatican.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the pontiff’s passing, stating, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, informed journalists that the first General Congregation of Cardinals will convene on Tuesday morning, during which a date for the funeral may be determined.
Preparations for the pontiff’s passing have been underway due to his declining health throughout the year. Pope Francis was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after suffering from bronchitis for several days. His conditions worsened and on Tuesday, February 18, doctors diagnosed him bilateral pneumonia
The next pope is to be decided by the Catholic Church’s Cardinal Electors, a group of about 135 cardinals under the age of 80, who are expected to begin their conclave in early to mid-May.
Although eligibility technically extends to any male Roman Catholic who has been baptized here are some of the known possibilities.
- Cardinal Peter Erdo, archbishop of Budapest, Hungary
- Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary general for the Synod of Bishops
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state
- Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem