Pope Francis dies at 88

April 21, 2025

Diocese of Raleigh

Shortly before 10 a.m. in Rome April 21, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had died at 7:35 a.m. 

As the Church mourns the loss of Pope Francis, Bishop Luis Zarama issued the following statement:

I was blessed to have opportunities to meet with Pope Francis many times and was amazed by his warmth and compassion and sense of humor. I will always be amazed when I recall how he demonstrated that same humility and humanity in every interaction, with every person he met.

Please join me in praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis and in asking that his spirit continues to bless the Church and its people.