In a deeply emotional announcement, the Vatican has confirmed the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88. The beloved Pontiff died peacefully on Monday morning at 7:35 am local time, just a day after his much-anticipated appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement released through the Vatican’s official Telegram channel.
“This morning, at 7:35 am, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
His final public appearance on Easter Sunday was a poignant one. Despite his frail health and ongoing recovery from a life-threatening illness, he appeared on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica to offer a heartfelt “Happy Easter” to the faithful.
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Delivering his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and the World) blessing, Pope Francis once again urged the world to embrace freedom of thought, compassion, and tolerance—values he championed throughout his papacy.
Earlier this year, Pope Francis had battled severe pneumonia, which brought him dangerously close to death on two separate occasions. He was hospitalized for 38 days before being discharged on March 23. His resilience, even in his final days, was a testament to the strength and unwavering faith that defined his leadership.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was elected Pope in 2013 at the age of 76. His election marked a turning point in the history of the Catholic Church—he was the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy, the first Pope from the Americas, and the first non-European leader of the Church in over 1,200 years, since the time of Gregory III.
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His papacy will be remembered for its bold reforms, humble demeanor, and efforts to bridge the gap between tradition and progress. Whether advocating for the poor, addressing climate change, or calling for a more inclusive Church, Pope Francis sought to make faith accessible and relevant in the modern world.
Yet despite his progressive leanings, he maintained a surprising popularity among many traditionalists, who respected his spiritual authenticity and pastoral heart.
Following the historic resignation of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, in 2013, Pope Francis stepped into a unique position—sharing the Vatican with an emeritus Pope for nearly a decade. That chapter added a layer of complexity to an already unprecedented papacy, but one that Francis navigated with grace.
As the world mourns the loss of a spiritual leader who broke barriers and led with humility, we also remember the legacy he leaves behind: a Church more connected to the people, a renewed focus on mercy and compassion, and a Pontiff who never shied away from challenging conversations.
Pope Francis lived and died in service to his faith. And in doing so, he reshaped the papacy for generations to come. May he rest in peace.
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