Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced Monday morning, marking the end of a papacy defined by compassion and reform.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo of the Vatican, announced the death, stating, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”
He added that Pope Francis “taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.”
The pontiff’s passing comes just one day after his public appearance at St Peter’s Square, where he greeted tens of thousands of worshippers on Easter Sunday.
Though frail, he was wheeled onto the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, waving to the crowds and wishing them “Happy Easter”.
During the Easter celebration, his traditional blessing was delivered by a clergy member. As he sat silently, his message called for peace and justice in war-torn regions, highlighting the suffering in Gaza and Ukraine and urging a global respect for freedom of religion, thought, and expression.
His appearance was especially significant as he had missed most Holy Week events, including the Easter vigil, due to ongoing health issues.
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Last month, he was discharged from the hospital following five weeks of treatment for a respiratory infection that had developed into double pneumonia.
Despite his condition, Pope Francis had insisted on appearing for Easter, a central celebration in the Catholic faith.
He had also taken part in a brief ceremony inside the basilica on Saturday, where he prayed and offered sweets to children.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the position.
Since his election in 2013, he was widely admired for his humility, progressive stance on social issues, and his efforts to bring the Church closer to the people.
This Easter marked a Jubilee Year, held every 25 years, which had drawn millions of pilgrims to Rome. Now, the Vatican enters a solemn period of mourning as preparations for a conclave begin.
Pope Francis’ death signals the close of a remarkable chapter in the Catholic Church history.
Crediblenewsng.com
