Death of Pope Francis

Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

At 9:45 AM (Rome time), Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:

"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. His 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. 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 One and Triune God."

Following the news of Pope Francis' death, Bishop Toal said:

"The Community of the Diocese of Motherwell joins the Church and so many others in mourning the death of Our Holy Father, Pope Francis 1. We give thanks to God for his 88 years of life, particularly his service to the Church as a Jesuit, Priest and Bishop, and ultimately as Bishop of Rome. May his faith in the Lord’s Resurrection, which he celebrated with us yesterday, be fully realised and may his good soul rest in God’s peace."

Fr Raymond Breslin V.G. will celebrate a Requiem Mass for Pope Francis in Motherwell Cathedral tonight at 7.00 pm.

We thank God for the gift of Francis as Pontiff and Leader of the Catholic Church and for the example of faith, charity and humility he brought, not just to Catholics and Christians, but to people throughout the world.

May his soul rest in the peace of the Lord.