Pope Francis Passes Away at 88, Confirms Vatican

Synopsis

Pope Francis has died at 88 at his Vatican residence, as confirmed by the Vatican. He had been suffering from respiratory issues and pneumonia. His passing was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell. Prime Minister Modi had previously praised the Pope's dedication to service and invited him to India.

Key Takeaways

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025.
He was 88 years old and suffering from pneumonia.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced his death.
PM Modi previously invited Pope Francis to visit India.
India and the Vatican have had diplomatic relations since 1948.

Vatican City, April 21 (NationPress) Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88 in his residence at the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, according to a statement released by the Vatican on Monday afternoon, India time.

The Pope died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, while battling respiratory issues and pneumonia.

"Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Cardinal Kevin Farrell declared on the Vatican's television channel.

Earlier on Easter Sunday morning, Pope Francis held a brief private meeting with the Vice President of the United States, J D Vance, as detailed by the Holy See's Press Office. This interaction lasted just a few minutes.

Vance was visiting Italy with his family and met with officials at the Secretariat of State before heading to India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously praised the Pope's dedication to humanitarian service and has extended an invitation for Pope Francis to visit India soon.

"Met Pope Francis on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. I admire his commitment to serving people and improving our planet. Also invited him to visit India," the Prime Minister shared on X following their encounter at the G7 Summit's Outreach Session in Borgo Egnazia last year.

In October 2021, the Pope welcomed PM Modi during a private audience at the Apostolic Palace, marking the first meeting between an Indian Prime Minister and the Pope in over two decades.

Before this, the last Indian Prime Minister to visit the Vatican was Atal Bihari Vajpayee in June 2000, when he met with then-Pope John Paul II.

India and the Holy See have maintained cordial relations since establishing diplomatic ties in 1948, with India being home to the second-largest Catholic population in Asia.