Pope Francis died of a stroke and heart failure, the Vatican says
Pope Francis died from a cerebral stroke that put him into a coma and led to irreversible heart failure, the Vatican said in a statement Monday. His death certificate lists his illnesses as: progressive episode of acute respiratory failure in multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchioecstasis, arterial hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.
Bells tolled in Catholic churches around the world as news spread of Francis’ death at age 88. He served as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years.
By Lucia I Suarez Sang
Congressional leaders remember Pope Francis, a “man of great compassion”
Congressional leaders honored Pope Francis, who became the first pontiff to address Congress during his visit to the U.S. in September 2015.
“Today, our prayers are with all those mourning the passing of Pope Francis,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement. “As the leader of the Catholic Church, he impacted the lives of countless people across the globe. May he rest in peace.”
“Throughout his historic tenure as the first Jesuit and first Latino to lead the Church, Pope Francis dedicated his time on Earth to uplifting the least, the lost and the left behind,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said. “His Holiness truly embodied the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, humbly giving of himself to the poor, the Church and Catholics in all corners of the world.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the pontiff “led a life of faithful witness to the Gospel. He dedicated himself to spreading the Good News with joy, and he will be remembered as a humble servant of God and a man of great compassion for those in need. May he rest in peace and receive his reward.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also mourned the pope, saying: “Pope Francis’ message of hope inspired people around the world — people of all faiths. His compassion and love for the less fortunate was felt in every corner. His papacy will be remembered as a beacon of light and hope against the darkness. My prayers are with the billions of people today who are mourning his loss.”
By Nikole Killion
Japan’s prime minister calls Pope Francis’ death a “great loss” for whole world
“I was extremely saddened to hear the news of the demise of His Holiness the Pope Francis,” Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said in a statement posted online by his office on Monday.
The Japanese leader said Francis had “dedicated himself to protecting the environment and promoting peaceful diplomacy with a strong voice,” and noted in particular his visit to Japan in 2019 — the first by a leader of the Catholic Church since John Paul II came in 1981.
“The demise of Pope Francis is not only a great loss for the people of Vatican and Catholics, but also for the international community. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Japan,” said Ishiba.
By Tucker Reals
U.N. chief Antonio Guterres says Pope Francis was “a transcendent voice for peace”
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the late Pope Francis on Monday as a powerful and dedicated voice for the world’s most vulnerable people, especially those caught up in conflicts beyond their own control.
“Pope Francis was a transcendent voice for peace, human dignity and social justice. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service and compassion for all — especially those left on the margins of life or trapped by the horrors of conflict,” Guterres said in a statement shared by the U.N.
“Pope Francis also understood that protecting our common home is, at heart, a deeply moral mission and responsibility that belongs to every person. His Papal Encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ was a major contribution to the global mobilization that resulted in the landmark Paris Agreement on climate change.”
Francis had understood, the U.N. chief said, “that protecting our common home is, at heart, a deeply moral mission and responsibility that belongs to every person.”
Guterres said the world would be a “much better place if we follow his example of unity and mutual understanding in our own actions.”
By Tucker Reals
Survivor support group calls on next pope “to do what Francis refused”
A major support and advocacy group for survivors of church sexual abuse, the Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, marked the death of Pope Francis on Monday, calling his papacy a “preventable catastrophe for the children and vulnerable people who were abused during his tenure.”
The group said it drafted a letter to deliver to Pope Francis last month that urged him “to use his remaining time to implement a true zero-tolerance law that includes independent oversight of bishops.”
“We feel it is important to reach out to you now, even as you continue your physical recovery, which we hope will soon bring you back to us,” the letter said. “We anticipate that some may criticize us for raising this issue while you are still healing. However, when is it ever the right time to discuss the alarming reality of rape and sexual violence against children, which occurs every minute of every hour of every day in this troubled world?”
Read more here.
By Haley Ott
President Trump offers more praise of Pope Francis at White House Easter egg roll
President Trump, hosting the annual Easter egg roll at the White House on Monday, told reporters that the late Pope Francis was “a very good man who loved, loved the world, and he especially loved people that were having a hard time, and that’s good with me.”
Mr. Trump said he’d “just signed an executive order” for all U.S. flags on government buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of the late pontiff.
“He was a good man, worked hard, he loved the world, and it’s an honor to do that,” said Mr. Trump.
The president had earlier posted a brief message on social media, saying: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”
By Tucker Reals
Brazilian president says humanity has lost “a voice of respect”
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva mourned Pope Francis on Monday as “a voice of respect and acceptance for others,” saying the late pontiff had “lived and propagated in his daily life the love, tolerance and solidarity that are the basis of Christian teachings.”
Lula, as the Brazilian leader is often known, in his social media post, praised Francis’ efforts to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change, saying he had, “sought to bring love where there was hatred. Unity where there was discord. And the understanding that we are all equal, living in the same house, our planet, which urgently needs our care.”
“With his simplicity, courage and empathy, Francis brought the issue of climate change to the Vatican. He vigorously criticized the economic models that led humanity to produce so many injustices. He showed that this same model is what generates inequality between countries and people. And he always stood by those who need it most: the poor, refugees, young people, the elderly and victims of war and all forms of prejudice,” said Lula.
Declaring an official seven-day mourning period for the Catholic leader in Brazil, Lula said while Francis was gone, “his messages will remain engraved in our hearts.”
By Tucker Reals
Mexican leader says Pope Francis left a “legacy of true love for one’s neighbor”
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, in a post on social media, mourned Pope Francis as “a humanist who stood for the poor, peace, and equality.”
“He left behind a great legacy of true love for one’s neighbor. For Catholics and non-Catholics alike, this is a great loss,” said the Mexican president, sharing a photo of herself meeting Francis along with her post, which was written in Spanish. “Knowing him was a great honor and privilege. May he rest in peace.”
Francis, from Argentina, was the first man from Latin America chosen to lead the Catholic Church in the institution’s two-millennia existence.
By Tucker Reals
Vatican postpones canonization of first millennial saint due to pope’s death
The canonization of an Italian teenager who was set to become the first millennial saint was postponed for at least one week on Monday after the death of Pope Francis.
The Vatican announced that the canonization of Carlo Acutis, originally scheduled for April 27, would be held the following Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, on the occasion of the Jubilee celebration of adolescents.
By Lucia I Suarez Sang
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa says Pope Francis “sought to unite humanity”
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa said Pope Francis was “a spiritual leader who sought to unite humanity and wished to see a world governed by fundamental human values,” in a statement posted Monday on social media.
The late pontiff “advanced a world view of inclusion, equality and care for marginalized individuals and groups, as well as responsible and sustainable custody of the natural environment,” South Africa’s leader said. “His extraordinary life story and ascendancy to the Holy See unfolded with humility and a profound commitment to making the Church and the world a better place for all of humanity.”
By Haley Ott
Barack Obama lauds the late Pope Francis for “his humility”
Former President Barack Obama said Monday that he and his wife Michelle were mourning the death of Pope Francis, “with everyone around the world — Catholic and non-Catholic alike,” lauding the late pontiff as someone from whom they had drawn “strength and inspiration.”
Francis was, according to the former president, “the rare leader who made us want to be better people.”
“In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound — embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners — he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another,” the former president said in a statement released by his office.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
“May we continue to heed his call to ‘never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope,'” Obama said in his statement.
By Tucker Reals
What happens next after the pope’s death?
The death of Pope Francis on Monday, after his 12 years as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, triggered an outpouring of mourning across the globe. It also triggered a centuries-old process of rituals and traditions that will culminate in less than a month with a conclave, a gathering of the Church’s current 135 Cardinal Electors, who will be sealed inside the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pontiff.
Read more here about what happens in the days immediately following the pope’s death, including his funeral and the run-up to the papal conclave.
By Frank Andrews
Dalai Lama says best tribute to Pope Francis “is to be a warm-hearted person”
The Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, sent a letter to the Vatican honoring the life of the late Pope Francis on Monday, his website said.
“His Holiness Pope Francis dedicated himself to the service of others,” the Dalai Lama said, offering his prayers and condolences to Pope Francis’ followers.
Pope Francis “consistently reveal[ed] by his own actions how to live a simple, but meaningful life. The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warm-hearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can.”
By Haley Ott
President Trump says: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis!”
President Trump posted a statement on social media Monday morning honoring the late Pope Francis.
“Rest in Peace Pope Francis!” Mr. Trump said in a post on his own Truth Social network. “May God Bless him and all who loved him!”
Read more here.
By Haley Ott
Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he’s saddened by news of pope’s death
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he and his wife Jeannette were “saddened to the news (sic) of Pope Francis’ passing.”
“We unite in prayer with Catholics worldwide for the repose of the pontiff’s soul and for this period of transition for the Catholic Church,” Secretary Rubio said in a statement released Monday. “May He rest in peace.”
By Haley Ott
Former President Joe Biden calls Francis “one of the most consequential leaders of our time”
Former President Joe Biden, the second Catholic person to serve as President of the United States after John F. Kennedy, released a statement honoring Pope Francis on Monday after the Vatican announced the death of the Catholic Church’s leader at the age of 88.
Pope Francis “was unlike any who came before him,” Biden said. He “will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him.”
Biden said Pope Francis had served vulnerable people 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.”
Read more here.
By Haley Ott
Watch Pope Francis’ final public appearance on Easter Sunday
Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, just one day before he died. The Vatican said the pontiff, 88, died at 7:35 a.m. local time on Monday.
“Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” Francis told well-wishers in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday.
“Viva il Papa! [Long live the pope!],” the crowd chanted in response.
Francis then drove around the square in his open-air popemobile, stopping occasionally to bless babies. The pope’s return to work after his near-fatal bout of double pneumonia had been slow, and he had skipped the Good Friday and Holy Saturday services leading up to Easter.
By Haley Ott
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Francis “knew how to give hope”
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday that millions were mourning the loss of Pope Francis, whom he said “knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity.”
In a message on social media, Zelenskyy said Francis had “prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians.”
Ukraine has been enmeshed in a brutal war since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022.
“We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory!” Zelenskyy said.
In a 2024 interview, Francis pleaded for worldwide peace amid the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, telling CBS News “a negotiated peace is better than a war without end.”
“Please. Countries at war, all of them, stop the war. Look to negotiate. Look for peace,” the pope said, speaking through a translator.
By Haley Ott
Russia’s Putin remembers Pope Francis as a “consistent defender” of justice
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his “deepest condolences” in a letter to the Vatican published by the Kremlin on Monday.
“Pope Francis enjoyed great international authority as a faithful servant of Christian teaching, a wise religious and statesman, and a consistent defender of the high values of humanism and justice,” Putin said in the letter, which was written in Russian.
“I had the opportunity to communicate with this outstanding person on many occasions, and I will forever preserve the brightest memories of him,” Putin said.
By Haley Ott
Bells at Notre Dame Cathedral ring 88 times to honor Pope Francis
The bells at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris rang 88 times on Monday, the AFP news agency reported, to honor the late Pope Francis, who died early in the morning at the age of 88.
The lights on the Eiffel Tower were also set to go dark later on Monday to honor the late pontiff, AFP said.
DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images
The ringing of the bells was to be followed by another, full ringing ahead of a mass at the ancient French cathedral in Francis’ honor, scheduled for noon local time, AFP said.
By Haley Ott
Britain’s King Charles mourns Pope Francis
Buckingham Palace released a statement Monday saying King Charles III and his wife, Queen Camilla, “were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis.”
“Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry. His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others. His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.”
Vatican Media/Anadolu/Getty
On a personal note, the statement said the king and queen remembered “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.”
Charles was greeted by Francis at the Vatican in an encounter that appeared unlikely, as the British royals’ long-scheduled visit to Rome came on the heels of Francis’ most recent, five-week hospitalization.
King Charles has also suffered health problems recently and is still undergoing treatment for an unspecified form of cancer.
By Tucker Reals
White House posts on social media about Pope Francis’ death
The White House posted on social media about Pope Francis’ death, sharing two photos of the late pontiff with President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, along with the message: “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis,” followed by a cross emoji.
By Haley Ott
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reflects on Pope Francis’ legacy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Monday that the news of Pope Francis’ death “saddens us deeply.”
“I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering,” Meloni wrote in a social media post in Italian.
Meloni said the world would follow Francis’ teachings and “seek the path of peace, pursue the common good and build a more just and equitable society.”
“His teaching and his legacy will not be lost,” said the Italian leader.
By Haley Ott
French President Emmanuel Macron honors Pope Francis
French President Emmanuel Macron honored Pope Francis in a social media post on Monday.
“From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest,” Macron said in French. “May this hope continually resurrect beyond him.”
By Haley Ott
Israel’s president sends “condolences to the Christian world”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog sent his “deepest condolences to the Christian world and especially the Christian communities in Israel — the Holy Land — on the loss of their great spiritual father, His Holiness Pope Frances,” in a social media post on Monday.
Herzog said Francis had been “a man of deep faith and boundless compassion,” who “dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and calling for peace in a troubled world,” and had seen “great importance in fostering strong ties with the Jewish world and in advancing interfaith dialogue as a path toward greater understanding and mutual respect.”
“I truly hope that his prayers for peace in the Middle East and for the safe return of the hostages will soon be answered,” Herzog said. “May his memory continue to inspire acts of kindness, unity, and hope.”
By Haley Ott
EU leader Ursula von der Leyen mourns Pope Francis
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Monday that the world was mourning the death of Pope Francis, who “inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate.”
“My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss,” van der Leyen said in a statement posted on social media. “May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”
By Haley Ott
JD Vance met Pope Francis on Sunday
Vice President JD Vance met Pope Francis on Easter Sunday during a three-day family visit to Rome.
Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, also met with other church officials and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Vatican / Pool
“It was an honor to meet with Pope Francis, Prime Minister Meloni, and Church officials in Italy this weekend,” Vance said on social media overnight Monday. “Visiting Rome with my family during Holy Week was an incredible experience.”
Following news of Francis’ death, Vance wrote: “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul.”
Read more here.
By Haley Ott
Pope Francis dies at age 88, Vatican announces
Pope Francis died Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican said. He died almost a month after he was released from a Rome hospital where he was treated for five weeks for a respiratory infection that worsened into pneumonia.
In a statement announcing his death, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, said Francis’ “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 fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”
By Tucker Reals
First pope from the New World
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, he was ordained as a priest in 1969, rising to become a Jesuit leader and Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He was created a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001.
When he was elected pope in 2013 — the first ever from the Americas — he chose to name himself after Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Italy, known for his simplicity and humanity. Pope Francis often said he wanted “a poorer Church” and one that would “include the excluded.”
He led by example, living in a humble room at the Vatican rather than the lavish papal apartments, and demonstrating his compassion by dining with the homeless, washing inmates’ feet, and providing a home in Italy for migrants and refugees.
Pope Francis’ legacy of inclusion
The 88-year-old pontiff will leave a legacy as a relatively progressive pope. He sought to make the Catholic Church more inclusive, welcoming more women into leadership roles (though not the priesthood) and reaching out to LGBTQ people, famously saying, “Who am I to judge?” In doing so, he drew backlash not only from conservatives, but also liberals who argued he wasn’t going far enough or fast enough to reform the two-millennia-old institution.
He also led the Church in its reckoning with years of child sexual abuse, though not always as aggressively as some critics hoped for.
In a 2024 interview with CBS News’ Norah O’Donnell, Francis said the Church “must continue to do more. Unfortunately, the tragedy of the abuses is enormous. And against this, an upright conscience, and not only to not permit it but to put in place the conditions so that it does not happen.”