Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away today, Easter Monday, at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced. The pontiff died at 7:35 AM CEST in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, just one day after making a poignant public appearance in St. Peter’s Square to deliver his Easter Sunday blessing. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, broke the news at 9:45 AM, stating, “With deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. He returned to the house of the Father this morning.”
Francis, who had been battling frail health, was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on 23 March after a 38-day fight with double pneumonia. Yesterday, despite his condition, he greeted crowds from his popemobile and offered the Urbi et Orbi blessing, calling for peace in conflict zones like Gaza. His voice was weak, and the address was read by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, yet his presence lifted the spirits of the faithful.
The first Latin American pope, Francis led the Church since 2013 with a focus on humility, compassion, and reform. His papacy saw progressive strides, including outreach to the marginalised and efforts to address clerical abuse, though it was not without controversy. His death marks the end of a transformative era for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Vatican officials say the traditional mourning period, sede vacante, has begun, with a funeral expected within days at St. Peter’s Basilica. The College of Cardinals will soon convene a conclave to elect his successor. Tributes are pouring in globally, with pilgrims gathering in Rome to honour a leader remembered as the “People’s Pope.”
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
