Pope Francis, the first leader of the Roman Catholic Church from Latin America, has passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday. The Vatican officially announced his death shortly after he made a public appearance from a wheelchair in St. Peter’s Square, where he wished a large gathering of worshippers a “Happy Easter.” Just last month, he had been hospitalized for five weeks due to an infection that led to double pneumonia.
The news of Pope Francis’s passing has elicited an outpouring of grief from Catholics worldwide, with crowds of mourners flocking to the Vatican to pay their respects.
Tributes pour in from global leaders
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni honored the Pope’s memory, calling him a “great man” and expressing her gratitude for their friendship and his guidance. King Charles expressed his sorrow, stating he was “deeply saddened” by the news. In his tribute, the King highlighted the Pope’s commitment to compassion and unity within the Church, saying, “His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.”
“This morning at 07:35 local time (05:35 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in the statement.
The acting head of the Church of England, Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, referred to Pope Francis as a “holy man of God” who embodied the spirit of service. U.S. President Donald Trump also shared his condolences on social media, stating, “Rest in peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” His Vice-President, JD Vance, who met the Pope on Easter Sunday, expressed his sympathies for Christians affected by the news.
The transition of the Papacy
Following Pope Francis’s death, the governance of the Catholic Church will temporarily fall to the College of Cardinals until a new Pope is elected in a conclave. Later in the day, his remains will be transferred to the Chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae, the guesthouse within the Vatican where he resided since his papacy began, unlike his predecessors who lived in the Apostolic Palace.
At 20:00 (18:00 GMT), Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, the camerlengo tasked with overseeing the transition, will confirm the Pope’s death and oversee the placement of his body in a coffin alongside the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, and members of Francis’s family.
Pope Francis was last seen engaging with the public on Easter Sunday, greeting crowds from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. His poignant message emphasized the importance of freedom of religion and the urgent need for peace amidst global conflicts.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis faced significant health challenges, having spent five weeks hospitalized due to pneumonia that put his life at risk. His medical history included a partial lung removal at the age of 21, contributing to his vulnerability to infections.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, he made history as the first non-European Pope in centuries and the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy. His papacy, which began in 2013, was marked by numerous reforms and a commitment to social justice, including advocating for refugees and marginalized communities. Although he took progressive stances on various issues, he maintained traditional views on many of the Church’s teachings.
As a leader, Pope Francis was known for his compassionate approach and his focus on the values of the Gospel. His legacy will be remembered as one of service, love, and dedication to the teachings of Christ.