Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican has confirmed.

The Holy Father at the head of the Roman Catholic Church, whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected to be Pope in March 2013.

Now, the Vatican has confirmed the 88-year-old has died in a statement on Monday (April 21).

Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell said: “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 home 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 faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.

“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 God, One and Tribune.″

The Pope has died after a short health battle (Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

Since February this year, Pope Francis has undergone a health struggle as he was rushed to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, indicating he had suffered a respiratory infection, chronic bronchitis, which developed into pneumonia in both lungs and mild kidney failure.

Last month, he had experienced an ‘isolated attack of bronchospasm which caused an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition’.

The Vatican posted updates about the Pope’s ongoing health since his hospitalization, revealing in February that while he ‘slept’ well and was in ‘good humour’, his condition remained ‘critical.’

They warned at the time that while he ‘cooperated with the therapeutic measures,’ his prognosis remained ‘uncertain’.

On Sunday (February 23), the Pope asked Catholics to pray for him after he was unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer for the second week in a row, the BBC reported.

Throughout his leadership, Pope Francis established many ‘firsts’. He was the first Pope to come from from the Society of Jesus, where priests and brothers dedicate their lives to Jesus Christ, as well as the first to be Latin American, being born in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Pope Francis made many firsts during his tenure and was considered one of the most progressive heads of the church (ALBERTO PIZZOLIALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

He was also the first Pope to have been born or raised outside Europe since the Syrian Pope Gregory III, some 1,200 years ago.

The Argentinian cardinal, who chose his papal name in honour of Sant Francis of Assisi, was also praised for his progressive attitude and humility.

For instance, he was often heard contemplating the war in Ukraine and making comments about the refugee crisis, the climate emergency, global injustice, and even LGBTQ+ rights.

Throughout 2023, Pope Francis slammed laws criminalizing homosexuality as a sin. He approved blessings for same-sex civil unions, famously telling journalists: “Who am I to judge?” when prompted with the question.

He also pushed for other reforms within the church in his life, including giving more roles to women in high-ranking Vatican positions.

He broke the formalities of his predecessors by choosing to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a church guest house, rather than the grand Apostolic Palace.

Updated 11:21 24 Feb 2025 GMTPublished 10:55 24 Feb 2025 GMT

The Vatican issue major health update on Pope Francis after being left in critical condition following ‘respiratory crisis’

The Vatican has issued a statement regarding the Pope’s health

The Vatican has issued an update on the health of the Pope, who fell into a critical condition last week.

Pope Francis was diagnosed with pneumonia in both of his lungs following his admission to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with chronic bronchitis, which is a respiratory infection.

According to Cleveland Clinic, pneumonia is ‘inflammation and fluid in your lungs caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. It makes it difficult to breathe and can cause a fever and cough with yellow, green or bloody mucus’.

It also indicates that pneumonia can be life-threatening ‘if left untreated, especially if you have an underlying health condition’.

The 88-year-old is understood to have had a restful tenth night in hospital, according to a statement issued by the Vatican.

“The night went well; the Pope slept and is resting,” read the statement.

It comes as officials close to the Pope explained how he was in a ‘critical’ condition just yesterday evening (February 23), while also adding that he hasn’t suffered any ‘further respiratory crises’ since Saturday morning (February 22).

Pope Francis even managed to attend Mass in his apartment in the hospital, accompanied by doctors and nurses overseeing his treatment.

Pope Francis greeting a crowd from the Vatican balcony (ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

While yesterday’s statement from the Vatican also noted that he had received blood transfusions which were aimed at raising his hemoglobin levels.

It read: “The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control.

“High-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas.”

Two people allegedly clued-up on the situation told Politico just days ago that the leader of the Catholic Church has been ‘suffering from intense pain and has privately expressed certainty he won’t make it this time’.

While a third person is understood to have told the US-based publication that Francis – who was born in the Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina – is acting entirely on ‘doctor’s orders’.