The Catholic Church is facing a pivotal moment over its future after Pope Francis‘s death yesterday.
As the world united in mourning, manoeuvring began in Rome over the contest to shape the Church over the next decade and guide its billion-plus adherents.
Catholics across the globe awoke to learn their 88-year-old spiritual leader had passed away after months of ill health, as the Church’s most senior clerics began descending on the Vatican to appoint his successor.
Pope Francis ‘returned to the house of the Father’ after dedicating his life to the service of God, the Vatican said, in a statement that many had been dreading.
The King joined world leaders in paying tribute, having had a brief audience with Francis during a state visit to Italy this month. Sir Keir Starmer said that while the Pope was ‘close to the realities of human fragility’, he ‘never lost hope of a better world’.
The Union flag was flown at half-mast over Downing Street and royal residences yesterday.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who will guide the Church through the coming days in his role as Camerlengo, or chamberlain, broke the news, saying: ‘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.
Pope Francis ‘returned to the house of the Father’ after dedicating his life to the service of God, the Vatican said, in a statement that many had been dreading
The pope died on the morning of Easter Monday after suffering a stroke and irreversible heart failure
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who will guide the Church through the coming days in his role as Camerlengo, or chamberlain, broke the news, saying: ‘Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis’
‘He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.’
The Vatican said Francis died from a stroke and ‘irreversible’ heart failure.
While Catholics were left to consider Francis’s complicated legacy – which will be remembered for his liberal approach to LGBTQ+ rights, refugees and climate change – it remains to be seen whether his reforms will continue under his successor.
His papacy broke with the conservative stance of his predecessors – John Paul II and Benedict XVI – and his supporters in the Vatican will be vying to secure his legacy.
His successor could, however, be viewed as being even more progressive. Among the favourites are liberal Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, from the Philippines, who would become the first Asian pope. Or the more moderate Cardinal Peter Turkson, from Ghana, who would be the first black pope.
Francis himself was the first Pope from South America and the first non-European to be elected in 13 centuries. Whether his successor is a Francis loyalist, however, is far from certain once the College of Cardinals convenes in the Sistine Chapel for the political process known as the conclave.
While it may come down to a battle between conservative and liberal factions, many cardinals appointed by Francis come from a wide range of countries that have starkly different views on issues such as the role of women in the Church and attitudes towards gay Catholics.
Thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square today to mourn the loss of the leader of the Catholic Church
England has a record four cardinals, three of whom will have a vote in choosing the next pope, although none is considered to be in the running. Last night, thousands gathered for a rosary prayer vigil to mourn Francis’s death as a traditional nine-day period of mourning, known as the Novemdiales, began.
On Easter Sunday, the Pope had appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to deliver a blessing to 35,000 faithful in St Peter’s Square. A day later, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti led prayers for him in the same place, saying: ‘We all have in our hearts the words Pope Francis addressed to us: “Do not forget to pray for me”.’
Last night Irish-born Cardinal Farrell – the highest-ranking Catholic until a new pope is appointed – presided over the official declaration of Francis’s death before his body was placed in a coffin.
It is thought he will be transferred to the basilica tomorrow morning where Catholics will be able to pray for the late pontiff – and for the future of the Church.
Pope Francis confirmed in his final testament that he wished to be buried in a ‘simple’ tomb in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and that his resting place bear the inscription of his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.
It is thought that Francis will be transferred to the basilica tomorrow morning where Catholics will be able to pray for the late pontiff
On Easter Sunday, the Pope had appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to deliver a blessing to 35,000 faithful in St Peter’s Square
At a Requiem Mass at Westminster Cathedral last night, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster and leader of Catholics in England and Wales, said it was ‘a day of sadness’ and the loss of a man who had spent his life spreading the word of ‘mercy and hope’.
He earlier said the next pope must be someone ‘of great inner strength’ and inner peace. The King said he and Queen Camilla were ‘most deeply saddened’ to learn of the Pope’s death’. A representative of the monarchy is expected to attend the funeral.
Former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said he was ‘filled with a great sense of loss’. The Church of England’s de-facto head, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, said: ‘I remember, in the brief times I spent with him, how this holy man of God was also very human. He was witty, lively and good to be with.’
In a post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump said he and First Lady Melania will attend the Pope’s funeral in Rome, adding: ‘We look forward to being there!‘
His final blessing on Easter Sunday: Despite doctors telling him to slow down, Pope packed his last days with meetings and services
By Ryan Hooper and Neil Sears
Less than 24 hours before he died yesterday, the ailing and frail Pope Francis bestowed one final blessing on the Catholic faithful.
The 88-year-old somehow managed to summon the strength to greet the thousands of people who had gathered on Easter Sunday in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican City – in what would turn out to be his final appearance.
The Pontiff had rarely been seen in public since leaving hospital last month after a 38-day battle against severe pneumonia.
So his appearance on the basilica’s balcony and his ride around the square in the popemobile – while typical of his dedication to service – came as a surprise.
He told the cheering crowd: ‘Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.’ He delivered his ‘Urbi and Orbi’ benediction and also stopped during his ride to bless four babies and two children.
His busy final days led the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, to observe: ‘It’s amazing that he, as it were, died with his boots on. Still serving, still praying, still blessing.’
Less than 24 hours before he died yesterday, the ailing and frail Pope Francis bestowed one final blessing on the Catholic faithful
Among the Pope’s final visitors was JD Vance, the US Vice-President and a Roman Catholic convert, who was given a brief audience with him on Sunday
The Pontiff had rarely been seen in public since leaving hospital last month after a 38-day battle against severe pneumonia
Among the Pope’s final visitors was JD Vance, the US Vice-President and a Roman Catholic convert, who was given a brief audience with him on Sunday.
The pair had previously clashed over the Trump administration’s attitudes to migration. But Mr Vance said they were able to offer cordial Easter greetings, writing yesterday on X: ‘I was happy to see him, though he was obviously very ill.’
Such was the concern about the Pope’s ailing health that the Vatican issued a running commentary during his stay at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. ‘The Pope had a quiet night,’ several statements read, while another informed that the Pope awoke at 8am.
He had been admitted to hospital on Valentine’s Day suffering from bronchitis which turned into a complex lung infection.
It was later established that the Pope, who had part of a lung removed as a young man, had double pneumonia.
Doctors noted the faintest improvement in his condition over the next fortnight although they were at pains to stress the ‘complex’ nature of his illness.
On February 28, they confirmed he had ‘experienced an isolated episode of bronchospasm’ which caused him to vomit and made his breathing worse. Doctors cleared his airways and placed him on a ventilator, sparking further public concern among the public over just how unwell he was.
Francis had been admitted to hospital on Valentine’s Day suffering from bronchitis which turned into a complex lung infection
The world has mourned the loss of Pope Francis, with leaders from across the globe paying tribute to him
‘The prognosis, therefore, remains guarded,’ a statement read, again exercising caution rather than being risk offering hope that the Pope was on the mend. He remained in hospital for several more weeks, past the 12th anniversary of his election as Pope on March 13.
While the Vatican continued to provide daily updates, it was not until March 16 that the Holy See, the Catholic Church’s governing body, released a new image of him. In it, Francis could be seen from behind looking at a crucifix on the altar of the hospital’s chapel after celebrating the Eucharist [the sharing of bread and wine]. He was seated and wearing his white vestments and purple stole.
Francis was finally released from hospital on March 23, having appeared on a balcony earlier that day. But he looked frail, giving a weak thumbs-up to the crowd chanting his name below.
And it was to be another two weeks before he was seen in public again, this time surprising visitors to the Jubilee Mass for the Sick and Healthcare Workers in St Peter’s Square.
Again, he appeared far from well and using a breathing tube. He told those who had gathered: ‘Have a good Sunday. Thank you all.’ It is believed that doctors had privately tried to convince Francis to slow down. But he ignored their pleas and instead packed his days with private meetings and public appearances.
Donald Trump announced today that he and First Lady Melanie will attend the pope’s funeral this weekend
Last week, the pontiff kept to his Maundy Thursday tradition of visiting the Regina Coeli jail in Rome where he chatted to inmates but was unable to wash their feet as he usually did
Last week, he kept to his Maundy Thursday tradition of visiting the Regina Coeli jail in Rome where he chatted to inmates but was unable to wash their feet as he usually did. Less than a fortnight ago, King Charles and Queen Camilla met the Pontiff after their visit in April was cancelled due to his ill health.
The meeting was arranged at the last minute and took place on Charles and Camilla’s 20th wedding anniversary. The Pope had wanted to personally wish them a happy day. After news of his death broke, the King said: ‘Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.
‘The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.’
Sir Keir Starmer said: ‘Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost hope of a better world.’
While Donald Trump said: ‘Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him!’
