Pope Francis dies during the Octave of Easter

By Pierre Little

A sad and momentous event from the heart of the Vatican. At 7:35 a.m. Rome time, April 21, 2025, Pope Francis (88), the Bishop of Rome, passed away, as confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican Press Office issued the somber announcement, with Cardinal Farrell noting that Pope Francis dedicated his life to the service of the Lord and His Church, championing the values of the Gospel, fidelity, and a profound love for the marginalized—the weak, the poor, the forgotten. Pope Francis' legacy, marked by deep compassion and a fervent commitment to the marginalized, will endure. However, some of his positions caused confusion among Catholics, a topic scholars will analyze for years, with hopes that his successor will provide greater clarity.

Reports from Italian outlets La Repubblica and La Stampa indicate the cause was a cerebral hemorrhage, possibly a stroke, unrelated to the respiratory issues and pneumonia that troubled him in February. This sudden loss comes as a shock; just this past Easter Sunday he presided at the traditional Easter Urbi et Orbi message and blessing of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square from the Basilica’s balcony.  Pope Francis, appearing alert and seemingly recovering from a recent hospital stay, spoke just a brief blessing: “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!”  The Papal Master of Ceremonies read his full message on his behalf.

We turn now to the ancient rites that follow. The Church enters what is known as the Interregnum, the period when the papal throne stands empty. Under Canon Law, within five to eight days, the College of Cardinals—those under 80 years of age—will convene in the Sistine Chapel for the Conclave, a secluded gathering to elect the next Pontiff. When their decision is reached, white smoke will rise from the chapel’s chimney, signaling to the world the arrival of a new Vicar of Christ. This tradition, formalized in 1274 with the decree Ubi periculum, has governed papal elections for nearly 750 years, its core tenets of secrecy and speed refined but unbroken.

Following Pope Francis’ creation of 21 new cardinals in December 2024, between 130 and 145 cardinal electors are now eligible to cast their votes in this sacred duty. The eyes of the world remain fixed on Rome as the Church prepares for this historic transition.

It is interesting to note that Pope John Paul II also died during the Octave of Easter, April 2, 2005, marking the 8 days the Roman Catholic Church liturgically celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the most important feast days of the Catholic Church.