The Partner Newspaper

Heartbreaking news from the Vatican News just confirmed that Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 on Monday 21^st April 2025. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, made the solemn announcement from the Casa Santa Marta at 9:45 AM, 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.”  

The Pontiff’s death followed a period of declining health. He had been admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after experiencing several days of bronchitis. His condition worsened, and doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on Tuesday, February 18. After 38 days of hospitalization, he returned to his Vatican residence, the Casa Santa Marta, to continue his recovery.  

Pope Francis had a history of respiratory issues. In his early 20s, he underwent surgery in Argentina to remove part of a lung affected by a severe infection. In later years, he experienced recurring respiratory illnesses, including the cancellation of a trip to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.  

Prior to his passing, Pope Francis had approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis. This revised edition, approved in April 2024, will guide the upcoming funeral Mass, the details of which are yet to be announced. The new rites include changes to the handling of the Pope’s mortal remains, with the ascertainment of death now taking place in the chapel rather than the deceased’s room, and immediate placement of the body in the coffin.  

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, explained that Pope Francis had requested a simplified funeral, emphasizing the Pope’s role as a pastor and disciple of Christ. “The renewed rite,” Archbishop Ravelli stated, “seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.” The Vatican will announce further details regarding the funeral proceedings in the coming days.  

The Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese; Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina enjoins all Catholic faithful within and outside the Diocese to offer prayers for the happy repose of the late Pope.