DALLAS – Pope Francis, the 266th Bishop of Rome and sovereign of Vatican City, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

His death was confirmed early Monday morning by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, from the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the residence where the pope had been living. Cardinal Farrell, a former Bishop of Dallas, will now serve as the camerlengo, overseeing the administration of the Catholic Church during this time of transition until a new pope is elected.

A Message to the Faithful

“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,” Cardinal Farrell shared solemnly.

The Role of the Camerlengo

Following the pope’s death, the Church enters a period known as sede vacante, Latin for “the seat being vacant.” As camerlengo, Cardinal Farrell will manage the day-to-day operations of the Vatican and oversee preparations for the papal conclave, the secretive electoral process that will determine the next leader of the global Catholic Church.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell: A Trusted Church Leader

A native of Ireland, Cardinal Farrell served as Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas from 2007 until 2016. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis and has since held numerous prominent roles within the Vatican:

• In 2019, he was appointed Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
• In 2020, he became President of the Commission for Confidential Matters.
• In 2023, he was named President of the Supreme Court of Vatican City State.

Ordained in 1978, Cardinal Farrell brings decades of leadership experience to this critical role in the Church’s governance.

How a New Pope Is Chosen

With the papal seat now vacant, the dean of the College of Cardinals will soon convene a series of private meetings to discuss the Church’s direction and the qualities desired in a new pope. This culminates in a conclave—a centuries-old tradition where eligible cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel to cast secret ballots.

To be elected, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority. Only cardinals under the age of 80 may participate. Up to four rounds of voting occur each day until a new pontiff is chosen.

Final Days of Pope Francis

Pope Francis had long struggled with respiratory issues stemming from a lung condition in his youth. On February 14, 2025, he was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome with double pneumonia, remaining under care for 38 days.

Despite his fragile health, Francis appeared in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, offering blessings to thousands and greeting the faithful from the popemobile. That same day, he also met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.

He died peacefully the following morning, April 21, at 7:35 a.m.

A Legacy of Compassion

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” said Cardinal Farrell. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, 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 the Triune God.”