Nigeria: Pope Francis dies at 88
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City. He was 88 years old.
According to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, Pope Francis died at 7:35 am. The Cardinal announced the Pope’s death from the Casa Santa Marta on Monday morning.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Farrell said. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
Pope Francis had been undergoing recovery after being discharged from the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital. He had been suffering from respiratory issues and was admitted to the hospital on April 20, 2025.
The Pope’s funeral rites will be guided by an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which Pope Francis approved in April 2024. The funeral Mass has yet to be announced.
Pope Francis was known for his dedication to the service of the Lord and the Church. He taught the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.
