Pope Francis has passed away. He was 88.
Photo: Pope Francis/Vatican Media
On April 21, Vatican News announced that the pope had died on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” the Cardinal said.
He added: 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 favor 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 Triune God.”
In his final Easter speech, the Pope made a heartfelt appeal for peace, offering prayers for healing, unity, and harmony in a world marked by conflict and instability.
On February 14, Pope Francis was hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital due to bronchitis, which had progressed to double pneumonia. This is his longest hospitalization in his 12-year papacy.
Pope Francis was the first pope from South America and the Jesuit order. He became the 266th pope in 2013, following the resignation of the late Pope Benedict XVI.
May we continue to honor his memory and lifelong legacy through acts of kindness and service to others.
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