Pope Francis updates: Pope Francis' coffin has been closed

The funeral for Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, the Vatican said.

ByMorgan Winsor, Kevin Shalvey, and Jon Haworth
Last Updated: April 25, 2025, 5:50 PM EDT

Pope Francis, whose time as head of the Catholic Church was noted for humility and outreach efforts to people of disparate backgrounds and faiths, has died at 88, the Vatican said.

The pontiff's funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, according to the Vatican. Francis' death on Monday came after a series of worsening health problems, including a diagnosis of double pneumonia that put him in the hospital for more than a month earlier this year.

Watch ABC News live coverage of the funeral for Pope Francis on Saturday starting at 3:30 a.m. ET on ABC stations and streaming on ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu.

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Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Apr 21, 2025, 5:18 AM EDT

Pope Francis’ death announced by Vatican

The death of Pope Francis, 88, was announced Monday by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who serves as camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Farrell said in a statement.

This photo taken and handout on April 21, 2025, by The Vatican Media shows cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announcing the death of Pope Francis in The Vatican.
Vatican Media/AFP via Getty Images

He continued: "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 His Church.

Pope Francis appears on the central lodge of St. Peter's Basilica to bestow the Urbi et Orbi blessing at the end of the Easter mass presided over by Cardinal Angelo Comastri in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Andrew Medichini/AP

"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."

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