*Pope Francis, the 88-year-old spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died, the Vatican confirmed Monday.
His death follows a period of declining health that began in February when he was hospitalized with bronchitis, later diagnosed as bilateral pneumonia. After spending 38 days in the hospital, he returned to his Casa Santa Marta residence. Despite his health challenges, the pontiff remained deeply engaged with global affairs.
In a statement, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced that the pope passed away on Easter Monday, April 21.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Farrell said.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. 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,” the statement continued. “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.”
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The King’s message following the death of Pope Francis. pic.twitter.com/tnwvSoXcMh
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 21, 2025
News of his death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Britain’s King Charles, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. To unite people with one another and with nature. May this hope be reborn endlessly beyond him,” said Macron in a statement released on X/Twitter. “To all Catholics, to a grieving world, my wife and I send our thoughts.”
Zelenskyy also shared a statement on social media: “Millions of people around the world are mourning the tragic news of Pope Francis’s passing. His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church. He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory!
According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Pope Francis requested a simplified funeral focused on expressing the Church’s faith in the Risen Christ.
“The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”
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