The Catholic Church and the global Christian community are in mourning following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away peacefully on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
In an official statement, the Vatican confirmed that the Holy Father died at 7:35 a.m. at his residence in Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City. The news was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo of the Catholic Church.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 a.m., the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Farrell said.
He praised the late pontiff for a life wholly devoted to God and His people, adding, “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized.”
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and True God,” the Cardinal concluded.
Just a day before his passing, Pope Francis was seen greeting the faithful from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after Easter Sunday Mass, in what has now become a poignant final public appearance.
The pontiff had been battling bilateral pneumonia and was discharged from the hospital on March 23, following a brief but serious illness.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis initially trained as a chemical technician before joining the Society of Jesus in 1958. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969.
On March 13, 2013, at the age of 76, he became the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, who made history as the first pope in six centuries to resign from office.
Known for his humility, simplicity, and strong advocacy for the poor, Pope Francis will be remembered as a transformative and compassionate leader who brought a message of inclusion and mercy to the forefront of the Church.
Funeral arrangements and details on papal rites will be announced by the Vatican in the coming days.