Pope Francis Death News Live Updates: Vatican sets out nine days of mourning for pope from Saturday

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday condoled the passing away of Pope Francis. "The passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, the supreme spiritual leader of the Catholic Christian community, is deeply saddening and an irreparable loss to the spiritual world. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with the global Catholic community," Adityanath said in a statement.

"His Holiness Pope Francis will always be remembered for his compassion, humility and noble spirit of service. I pray to the Almighty to grant the departed soul eternal peace and give strength to his grieving followers to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!" the chief minister said.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for poor, passed away on Monday at the age of 88.

Nagaland governor La Ganesan and chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday condoled the death of Pope Francis, stating that his wisdom and compassion transcended faiths. History's first non-European pontiff, who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, Pope Francis died at the age of 88.

In a statement, Ganesan said that as the head of the Catholic church, Francis championed the cause of peace, social justice and care for the poor and the marginalized.

His leadership inspired millions across the world, transcending the boundaries of faith and culture, he said.

"With a heavy heart, I join the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. A shepherd of peace, his humility, wisdom and compassion transcended faiths," Rio said in a social media post.

May his enduring legacy continue to inspire humanity, and may his soul rest in peace, the chief minister added.

Ministry of home affairs (MHA) on Monday announced a three-day State Mourning as a mark of respect on the passing away of His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See.

His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See passed away today, the 21st April, 2025. As a mark of respect, three-day State Mourning shall be observed throughout India, in the following manner:

- Two days’ State Mourning on Tuesday, the 22nd April, 2025 and Wednesday, the 23rd April, 2025.
- One day’s State Mourning on the day of the funeral.

During the period of the State Mourning, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly, and there will be no official entertainment.

One of Pope Francis' final encounters before his death was with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who visited the Vatican over the weekend.

The meeting took place on Easter Sunday. Vance, a Catholic convert, entered the room and reached down for the pope's hand. “Hello,” the vice president said. “So good to see you."

Francis was sitting in a wheelchair, and his words were inaudible in a video released by the Vatican.

“I know you’ve not been feeling great, but it’s good see you in better health," Vance said.

A priest serving as a translator spoke for the pope.

“These are for your children,” the priest said as someone presented Vance with chocolate eggs. Next came a tray of additional gifts, including rosaries and a Vatican tie.

“Thank you,” Vance said as he held the dark tie. “So beautiful.”

They posed for a photo, Vance standing to the pope's right before bidding him farewell.

“I pray for you every day,” Vance said. “God bless you.”

Vance’s visit was not without political sensitivities, and he met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Saturday for what the Vatican described as “an exchange of opinions.” The Catholic Church, under Francis’ leadership, has championed the rights of migrants, while Vance and President Donald Trump have advocated for crackdowns.

Vance's office said the vice president and the cardinal “discussed their shared religious faith, Catholicism in the United States, the plight of persecuted Christian communities around the world, and President Trump’s commitment to restoring world peace.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that she had spoken to members of Vance's team on Monday morning after Francis' death.

“They expressed how excited and grateful they were for the opportunity to have met with the pope just yesterday,” she said.

With Pope Francis's death, the immediate running of the Vatican is now in the hands of one cardinal, Dublin-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

Known as the Camerlengo, and appointed by the pope, it is he who will lead meetings to determine the date of Francis's funeral, and supervise other organisational tasks, culminating in the Conclave to elect the next pope.

On Monday evening, Farrell was due to preside over the rite that would see Francis's body placed in his coffin in the chapel of the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, where the pope had resided, and died.

Earlier on Monday, it was Farrell who announced to the world the death of the 88-year-old pope.

"This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.

"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and his church," said Farrell, speaking from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta.

Farrell, 77, who has dual American and Irish citizenship, has served as Camerlengo since February 2019.

Known for his sense of humour and for speaking Spanish with an Irish brogue, the cardinal -- who once was chaplain at Mexico's University of Monterrey -- now serves as the prefect for the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life.

He was asked by Francis in 2016 to head the newly created dicastery combining the functions of two previous ones, and moved to Rome for his first Vatican posting.

He was made a cardinal by Francis that same year.

Since January 2024, Farrell has been president of the Vatican City State Supreme Court.

Earlier, he spent the bulk of his priesthood in the United States, nearly 30 years in the Washington DC area and nine years in Dallas.

In a 2016 interview in The Irish Times, Farrell explained how when his secretary in Dallas told him that Pope Francis was on the phone to tell him he would be made a cardinal, he told her, "Like hell he is".

"I kept saying to her, 'No, that is one of my bishop friends, just messing.'"

In his role of temporarily managing the Holy See, Farrell will be helped by three cardinals.

As Camerlengo, he has the right to ask all the Vatican departments for budget reports, economic information and details on other ongoing affairs.

President Donald Trump and his White House predecessor Joe Biden led the way in paying respects from the United States to Pope Francis, who died Monday at 88.
Trump, who has had a sometimes thorny relationship with the Vatican, ordered US flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House, and at federal property across the world.

"He was a good man, he worked hard and loved the world," Trump said at a White House event marking Easter.

He had earlier posted on social media: "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"

Biden, who was only the second Roman Catholic to serve as US president, hailed the late pope as "unlike any who came before him."

"Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him," Biden wrote on X alongside a picture of him and the Pope.

Pope Francis, who died on Monday aged 88, inspired International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach to create the Olympic refugee team, the German said in a tribute.

Bach, the most powerful person in sport, said the IOC had lost "a great friend and supporter".

However, it was his support for refugees which had left the greatest mark.

"His powerful voice in support of refugees is a shining example of his commitment, and it inspired me to create the first-ever refugee Olympic team for the Olympic Games Rio 2016," Bach said in a statement.

"He has graciously followed and supported this initiative throughout three Olympic Games editions, encouraging its growth and impact.

"This ongoing encouragement also led to the creation of the Olympic Refuge Foundation in 2017."

Bach, who steps down in June and will be succeeded by Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry, was grateful for Pope Francis' support throughout his 12-year papacy.

"His support for the peace and solidarity mission of the Olympic Games and the refugee initiatives of the IOC has been unwavering," said Bach.

"I got to know His Holiness as a very pensive intellectual who was humble and had a very good sense of humour."

"His deep passion for sport and the Olympic values was always obvious," added the 71-year-old.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar mourned the passing of Pope Francis on Monday, remembering him as a compassionate leader committed to building a better world.

"Saddened at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis," the EAM wrote on X.

Pope Francis's love for India was evident throughout his papacy as he always spoke fondly of the country's spiritual heritage, said Father Ajit Kumar Xess, SJ, of the Provincial Ranchi Jesuits on Monday. Xess who had called on the Pope a few years ago said Francis was simple, humble and deeply connected to the people and his legacy will continue to inspire all, said

History's first non-European Pope, Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

"Pope Francis chose not to reside in the Apostolic Palace, but in a modest dwelling, reflecting his commitment to live close to the poor and the marginalised. His leadership style was marked by authenticity and compassion," said Xess.

Stating that Francis had empathised with the sick, poor, prisoners and those often forgotten by society, Xess recalled how the Pope washed the feet of prisoners on Holy Thursday, visited hospitals, and constantly reminded the Church to be a 'field hospital' for the wounded.

"Pope Francis's love for India was evident throughout his papacy as he always spoke fondly of our rich spiritual heritage... His pastoral visits and gestures of affection towards India, particularly in his calls for peace, harmony, and respect for all religions, endeared him to the hearts of many in our country," the Jesuit leader said.

Palestinian Christians in Gaza on Monday mourned the death of Pope Francis, who had maintained close and consistent video contact with the small Christian community in the territory throughout the ongoing war.

Since the outbreak of fighting between Israel and Hamas, Francis had regularly called Gaza's Christians, often several times a week, offering prayers, encouragement, and solidarity.

The first public prayer for Pope Francis following his death will take place in St Peter's Square at 1730 GMT on Monday, the Vatican said.

The Rosary, for which thousands of faithful are expected to attend, will be presided over by Italian Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the Holy See's press office said.

Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Monday condoled the death of Pope Francis, and praised his compassion for the people in distress. Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 at his residence in Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

"Hon'ble Governor Shri @DrHariBabuK expressed deep sorrow over the passing of #PopeFrancis, the first Latin American pope. He said that the Pope's unwavering dedication to promoting peace, compassion, and unity profoundly touched the hearts of millions around the world," Governor Odisha said in an X post.

Majhi also said that he was deeply saddened by the death of Pope Francis, who will always be remembered for his compassion and humility.

"As the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, he inspired millions across the world with his message of unity and love. My heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community," he said in a post on X.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday expressed sorrow on the demise of Pope Francis who passed away at the age of 88. "It is with deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka. His unwavering commitment to peace compassion and humanity has left an indelible mark on the world," he said in a statement. "May his legacy of compassion justice and interfaith harmony continue to inspire generations to come", it added.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto mourned the death of Pope Francis on Monday, saying the world had lost a "role model".

"The world has once again lost a role model who had a great commitment to peace, humanity, and brotherhood," Prabowo, the leader of the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, wrote on social media.

Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren on Monday condoled the demise of Pope Francis and said his life was a "testament to compassion and hope". Francis, who was the first non-European Pope in nearly 1,300 years, died on Easter Monday. He was 88.

"Deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. His life was a testament to compassion, hope and humility. May his soul rest in eternal peace," Soren said in a post on X.

The Pope's death now sets off a weekslong process of allowing the faithful to pay their final respects, first for Vatican officials in the Santa Marta chapel and then in St. Peter's for the general public, followed by a funeral and a conclave to elect a new pope.

Pope Francis died at home in his apartment at the Saint Martha residence in the Vatican, the Holy See's press service said on Monday.

His cause of death will "probably" be shared with the public on Monday night following the official declaration of his death, scheduled for 8:00 pm (1800 GMT), the press service added.

The Vatican said Monday that Pope Francis's body could be transferred to St Peter's Basilica Wednesday to lie in state.

"The transfer of the body of the Holy Father to the Vatican Basilica for the homage of all the faithful could take place on Wednesday morning," the Vatican said in a brief statement, saying more information would come Tuesday.

Argentina's President Javier Milei will decree seven days of national mourning after the death of Pope Francis, his spokesman said Monday.

"The President of the Nation will decree seven days of mourning for the death of the Holy Father," Manuel Adorni wrote on X. Milei paid tribute earlier Monday to Pope Francis's "wisdom" despite their "differences."

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday offered his condolences over the death of Pope Francis and praised his condemnation of "genocide" by Israel in Gaza.

"With sorrow, I offer my condolences on the passing of Pope Francis, the leader and spiritual guide of the world's Catholics," Pezeshkian said in a statement posted on his official website.

The president of Muslim-majority Iran said the pontiff's name and memory would remain "in the hearts of all awakened consciences and freedom-seekers" for his humanitarian stances, including the "condemnation of the genocide committed by the Israeli regime in Gaza".

Iran does not recognise Israel and has made support for the Palestinian cause a central tenet of its foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The Islamic republic backs Hamas, the militant group that launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, igniting the Gaza war.

Earlier Monday, foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei also offered "condolences to all Christians around the world" following Pope Francis's death.

Iran maintains diplomatic relations with the Vatican.

Egypt's Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's prestigious seat of learning, said Monday that Pope Francis will be remembered for his championing of interfaith dialogue.

Following the pope's death, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, calling Francis "his brother," said he had "strengthened relations with Al-Azhar and the Islamic world, through his visits to numerous Islamic and Arab countries, and through his views demonstrating fairness and humanity, particularly regarding the aggression on Gaza and combating abhorrent Islamophobia".

"Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!," the US President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama praised Pope Francis on Monday, offering Buddhist prayers and writing to the papal envoy to "express his sadness" at his death.

"Pope Francis dedicated himself to the service of others... consistently revealing by his own actions how to live a simple, but meaningful life," the Buddhist leader said in a statement from his base in exile in India.

"The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warm-hearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can".

"It is with great sadness that Jill and I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was unlike any who came before him. Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him. For decades, he served the most vulnerable across Argentina and his mission of serving the poor never ceased. As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths. He commanded us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climate crisis. He advocated for the voiceless and powerless. He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church. He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe. And above all, he was a Pope for everyone. He was the People's Pope - a light of faith, hope, and love," said former US President Joe Biden.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday hailed Pope Francis for his efforts to further dialogue between different faiths after the Argentine pontiff died at the age of 88.

"A respected statesman, Pope Francis was a spiritual leader who placed great importance on dialogue between different faith groups," he wrote on X, saying he was also someone who took "initiative in the face of humanitarian tragedies, especially the Palestinian issue".

Sunday's scheduled canonisation of the Catholic Church's first millennial saint has been postponed to a later date after the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican said on Monday.

Carlo Acutis, who died of leukaemia in 2006 aged 15, was meant to have his sainthood rubber-stamped in a mass at the Holy See on April 27.

"Following the death of the Sovereign Pontiff Francis, we inform you that the Eucharistic Celebration and Rite of Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis... has been postponed," the Vatican said in a brief statement.

Dubbed "God's Influencer" or the "Cyber Apostle", Acutis spent much of his short life spreading the Catholic faith online.

Carlo was born in London to Italian parents on May 3, 1991, but mostly grew up in Milan. He spent holidays in the family's second home in Assisi, and eventually died in Monza, northern Italy.

His family was wealthy and not religiously observant, but Carlo was imbued with ardent faith from a young age, attending mass every day.

Spain will observe three days of mourning to honour Pope Francis after the Argentine pontiff's death on Monday aged 88, Justice Minister Felix Bolanos said in a televised address.

"We regret the death of a good man and a great pope. Therefore, the government of Spain will declare three days of official mourning," Bolanos said, praising Francis's "reformist" 12-year papacy that "will leave a legacy for history".

Francis "dedicated his life to the weak, to those who have nothing... a pope characterised by his struggle against inequality, injustices, his fight against climate change and his concern for all those on the peripheries", added Bolanos.

"For that reason, the government of Spain has always felt close to his work and his values, especially his defence of peace," the Socialist minister continued.

In Spain, historically a deeply Catholic country, "we loved him and what his papacy meant", said Bolanos.

"With his papacy the Church has started to travel a path which must continue."

Pope Francis's body will be laid in a coffin in the chapel at the Saint Martha residence where he lived at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT) on Monday, the Vatican said.

"Tonight, Monday April 21 at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT, 11:30 pm IST), His Eminence the Most Reverend Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of certification of death and the laying of the body in the coffin," the Holy See said in a statement.

Bangladesh's interim government paid its respects to Pope Francis on Monday, with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus praising the late pontiff as a "true friend and kindred spirit".

Yunus, 84, shared a "profound connection" with Francis, his office said in a statement. The micro-finance pioneer took over as interim leader of Muslim-majority Bangladesh after a mass uprising ousted the government in August 2024.

"Pope Francis was a towering figure of moral clarity, humility, and compassion in our time," the statement said, detailing how the men had worked together on shared efforts for social justice and care for the natural world.

"His lifelong dedication to justice, peace, and the dignity of every human being resonated far beyond the Catholic world," it said.

"His leadership, rooted in the values of fraternity and service, inspired global efforts to uplift the poor, protect the vulnerable, and build a more humane and peaceful world."

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday hailed the late Pope Francis as a "defender" of "humanism and justice", and praised his efforts to promote dialogue between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches.

Putin said Francis, who died on Monday, was a "wise" religious leader, "statesman" and "consistent defender of the high values of humanism and justice", in a letter to the Vatican published by the Kremlin.

"During all the years of his pontificate, he actively promoted dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive interaction between Russia and the Holy See," Putin added.

The Kremlin leader had met the pope three times -- in 2013, 2015, and 2019.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday mourned the death of Pope Francis, saying the Catholic leader had "prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians."

"We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians," Zelensky wrote on social media.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Monday said "Thank you for everything, Holy Father. We bid you farewell", in a short Facebook post following Pope Francis's death.

The nationalist premier accompanied his message with a photo of one of his meetings with Francis, who praised the Church's renewal in Hungary while urging Europe to take in more migrants.

Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang on Monday mourned the demise of Pope Francis. Pope Francis died at the age of 88.

"Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His profound wisdom, compassion, and relentless pursuit of peace and unity touched countless lives across the globe," Tamang said.

He was not just a spiritual leader but a beacon of hope and humility, the CM said.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Catholic community and to all those who found solace and inspiration in his words and actions. May his legacy continue to inspire love, faith, and humanity in the hearts of people everywhere. May his soul rest in eternal peace," he said.

The Eiffel Tower's landmark illuminations will be switched off on Monday night in memory of Pope Francis who died aged 88, Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo said.

City hall was planning to name a site in the French capital after Francis who, she said, had placed "ecology at the centre of spiritual concerns" and had argued in favour of "welcoming refugees".

The White House on Monday expressed its condolences after the death aged 88 of Pope Francis.

"Rest in Peace, Pope Francis," the US presidency wrote on X, accompanied by photos of the pontiff meeting President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on separate occasions.

The bells at Paris's Notre-Dame cathedral rang out 88 times on Monday in honour of Pope Francis who died aged 88, an AFP reporter at the scene said.

The "88 rings for 88 years of life" were to be followed by a full ringing of the cathedral's bells before a noon mass in Francis's honour, followed by another in early evening, according to the Notre-Dame press office.

In an age of digital alerts and global livestreams, the Vatican continues to announce one of its most significant decisions with a signal that dates back centuries: a puff of smoke from a copper chimney on the Sistine Chapel. But behind this seemingly simple ritual lies a surprisingly complex chemistry lesson.

As 115 cardinal-electors gather in secret to choose the next pope, all eyes remain fixed on the chapel’s rooftop chimney. Black smoke (fumata nera) means the cardinals have not reached the two-thirds majority required, 77 votes, to elect a new pope. White smoke (fumata bianca) signals success. Yet, for this symbolic act to be visible and unambiguous, the Vatican has had to modernize the process, turning to science to uphold its most sacred tradition, ABC news reported.

Following the death of Pope Francis, preparations are underway for a papal conclave in May to elect his successor. Out of 252 cardinals worldwide, only 138 are eligible to vote, as Church regulations restrict voting to those under 80 years old.

The process typically lasts a few days. Among the leading candidates, or “papabili,” are Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Vatican Secretary of State), Cardinal Peter Erdö, Cardinal Peter Turkson, Cardinal Luis Tagle, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, and Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, along with others such as Cardinals Gerhard Müller, Angelo Scola, Angelo Bagnasco, Robert Sarah, and Malcolm Ranjith.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff who won hearts worldwide with his humility and devotion to the poor — but drew criticism from conservatives for his views on capitalism and climate change — died Monday at the age of 88.

“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,” announced Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo. Church bells tolled across Rome following the news.

Francis had battled chronic lung disease for years, having lost part of a lung in his youth. In February 2025, he was hospitalized with a severe respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia, leading to a 38-day stay — the longest of his 12-year papacy.

From the moment he greeted the world with a simple “Buonasera” on March 13, 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio set a new tone for the Church. The Argentine-born pope emphasized service, compassion, and humility, working to restore credibility to an institution facing deep scandal and growing global indifference.

His embrace of the marginalized, refugees, and the environment reshaped the Vatican’s global voice, even as it sparked friction within conservative circles.

Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced.

"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," Farrell said.

"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for 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 God, One and Triune."