Wait, did the Pope pass? If you’re asking that right now, you probably saw a frantic headline or a TikTok clip with somber music. Here’s the short answer: No, Pope Francis is alive. As of early 2026, the 266th Bishop of Rome is still very much in office.
It happens all the time. A "breaking news" alert flashes on a screen, someone misinterprets a prayer request, and suddenly the internet is convinced the Holy See is vacant. It’s a weird byproduct of how we consume news now. One minute you're looking at pasta recipes, and the next, you're wondering if the bells of St. Peter’s are tolling.
The confusion often stems from the fact that Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is nearly 90 years old. He has had his fair share of health scares. When a world leader of that age so much as clears their throat too loudly, the rumor mill starts spinning.
Why people keep asking if the Pope passed away
The internet is a megaphone for anxiety. Most of the time, when people search "did the Pope pass," it’s because of a few specific recurring events.
First, his mobility. You’ve likely seen him in a wheelchair or using a cane. Since 2022, he’s dealt with significant knee strain and torn ligaments. This isn't a life-threatening condition, but for a man who used to walk through the crowds with ease, the visual change is jarring. It makes people think he’s "failing," even though his mind remains sharp as a tack.
Then there are the respiratory issues. Remember, Francis had part of one lung removed back in his youth in Argentina. Every time he catches a cold or gets a bout of bronchitis—like he did in late 2023 and several times throughout 2024 and 2025—the Vatican press office goes into overdrive. A simple "precautionary checkup" at Gemelli Hospital in Rome gets translated by social media into "the end is near."
Honestly, it’s kinda exhausting to keep up with.
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The Benedict XVI factor
A huge reason for the recent confusion is the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on December 31, 2022. That was a massive, historic event. For the first time in centuries, a reigning Pope presided over the funeral of his predecessor.
Because that footage of a Papal funeral is still fresh in many people's minds, any clip of it reshared on YouTube or Facebook can easily be mistaken for current news. If you see a video of a funeral at the Vatican, check the date. It’s almost certainly old footage of Benedict or perhaps a cardinal.
Understanding the health of Pope Francis
Let’s get into the weeds of what is actually going on with his health. It’s not a secret, but the Vatican isn't always the most transparent organization in the world.
In June 2023, the Pope underwent a three-hour abdominal surgery under general anesthesia to repair a hernia. That was a big deal. For a man his age, general anesthesia is no joke. It can cause lingering grogginess or "brain fog," which his doctors were worried about. However, he bounced back. He was back to traveling within months, heading to places like Mongolia and Marseille.
- Abdominal issues: He had a significant colon surgery in 2021 (diverticular stenosis) and the hernia repair in 2023.
- Respiratory health: Periodic struggles with inflammation that sometimes force him to skip public speeches or have an aide read them for him.
- The Knee: Chronic sciatica and knee pain that makes standing for long periods impossible.
Despite all this, he keeps a schedule that would break a 40-year-old. He’s up early, meeting with heads of state, and holding audiences. He’s basically stubborn. He refuses to let the physical limitations slow down his "Synod on Synodality" or his climate change initiatives.
Is he going to resign?
This is the million-dollar question. Since Benedict XVI broke the "Pope for life" tradition by resigning in 2013, the door is officially open. Francis has said repeatedly that he sees Papal resignation as a "possibility" but not a "fashion."
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He’s even admitted in interviews—like with the Spanish newspaper ABC—that he signed a resignation letter years ago to be used only if he becomes "impaired" by health issues. This is a standard safety net. It doesn't mean he’s leaving tomorrow. It means he’s being practical.
How the Vatican announces a Papal death
If the Pope actually did pass away, you wouldn't find out from a random tweet first. There is a very specific, ancient, and highly coordinated protocol. It’s called Sede Vacante—the time of the "Vacant Seat."
- The Confirmation: The Cardinal Camerlengo (the Chamberlain) is the official who must formally verify the death. In the old days, they used to tap the Pope’s forehead three times with a silver hammer while calling his birth name. We don't really do the hammer thing anymore, but the formal declaration is still the first step.
- Notification: The Vicar of Rome is notified, who then tells the world. The bells of St. Peter's Basilica will ring in a specific, mournful pattern.
- The Ring: The "Fisherman’s Ring," which is the Pope’s official signet ring, is ceremonially destroyed. This ensures no one can forge official documents during the transition.
- The Funeral: Usually happens four to six days after the death.
- The Conclave: Within 15 to 20 days, the Cardinals lock themselves in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next guy.
So, if the bells aren't ringing and the major wire services (AP, Reuters, AFP) aren't flashing "URGENT" banners, the Pope is still with us.
The misinformation trap
Why do these rumors go viral? It’s often "clickbait" or "engagement farming."
Accounts on X (formerly Twitter) or TikTok know that "The Pope is dead" is a high-traffic phrase. They use a photo of him looking tired, add some black-and-white filters, and wait for the shares to roll in. Sometimes, it’s even a mistranslation. A headline in Italian might say "The Pope is suffering," and a bad AI translator turns it into "The Pope has passed."
It’s also worth noting the political tension within the Church. There are groups who aren't fans of Francis's more progressive leanings. For some of these critics, speculating on his death or resignation is a way to talk about who might come next. It’s a bit morbid, but that’s the reality of Vatican politics.
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What's actually next for Pope Francis?
Instead of looking for a funeral, look at his calendar. He’s focused on the 2025-2026 period as a time of "Jubilee." This is a massive "Holy Year" in the Catholic Church, expected to bring millions of pilgrims to Rome.
He’s pushing for peace in Ukraine and Gaza. He’s constantly talking about the "Third World War fought piecemeal." He is still very much the active CEO of the Catholic Church.
If you want to stay updated without getting fooled by fake news, follow the official Vatican News site or reliable Catholic outlets like the Catholic News Agency or The Pillar. They don't do clickbait. If something happens, they will be the first to have the factual, sober details.
How to verify news about the Vatican
Don't get caught in the loop of "did the Pope pass" every time his knee acts up. Here is a simple checklist to keep your sanity:
- Check the source: Is it a verified news organization or a "Breaking News" account with a cartoon avatar?
- Look for the bells: If it’s real, the bells in Rome will be the loudest thing on the internet.
- Verify the date: Old videos of Benedict XVI’s funeral or John Paul II’s passing circulate every year as if they are new.
- Visit the official site: vaticannews.va is the definitive source for the Pope's daily activity.
The reality is that Pope Francis is an elderly man with a very demanding job. There will be more hospital visits. There will be more days where he looks frail. But until the white smoke rises again or the Vatican issues a formal "pro memoria," he is the Pope.
Stay skeptical of the rumors. The Church moves in centuries, not TikTok seconds. When the transition finally happens, it won't be a secret—it will be one of the biggest news events in modern history.