A Life of Service Comes to a Close
In an official statement shared on the Vatican’s Telegram channel, Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed the pontiff’s death:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. This morning at 7:35 AM (0535 GMT), the Bishop of Rome returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, was a transformative figure in modern Catholicism. Known for his humility, progressive stance on social issues, and emphasis on mercy, he became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to lead the Church when he was elected in 2013.
A Final Easter Blessing
Despite battling severe illness in recent months—including two near-fatal bouts of pneumonia—Pope Francis made a determined appearance on Easter Sunday, greeting thousands of faithful in St. Peter’s Square.
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| Pope Francis speaks from a balcony on the day of the ‘Urbi et Orbi’ (‘to the city and to the world’) message, at St Peter’s Square, on Easter Sunday, in the Vatican, April 20, 2025 [Yara Nardi/Reuters] |
His presence was particularly moving given his recent hospitalization—a 38-day stay that ended only on March 23. Many had hoped his resilience signaled recovery, making Monday’s announcement all the more heartbreaking for Catholics worldwide.
A Legacy of Reform and Outreach
Pope Francis’s papacy was marked by efforts to modernize the Church while staying rooted in its spiritual mission. He championed the poor, criticized unchecked capitalism, and pushed for greater inclusivity, often clashing with traditionalists. His historic visits to conflict zones, his apology for Church abuses, and his groundbreaking encyclicals on climate change (Laudato Si’) and social justice (Fratelli Tutti) cemented his reputation as a pope of the people.
As tributes pour in from global leaders and religious figures, the Vatican will now prepare for the conclave to elect his successor—a process that will unfold amid deep mourning for a pontiff whose warmth and vision touched millions.
Final Words “Pray for me,” Pope Francis often asked his followers. Now, the world prays for him—a shepherd who, until his last breath, sought to guide his flock with love and courage.
World Leaders Pay Tribute to a Global Voice of Peace and Compassion
In a moment of deep mourning for Catholics and many others across the globe, Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that the pontiff died peacefully on Monday at 7:35 a.m., just a day after he made a surprise appearance at Saint Peter’s Square during Easter Sunday celebrations—a gesture that had inspired hope despite his fragile health.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, served as the head of the Catholic Church since his election in March 2013. Revered for his humility, reformist zeal, and tireless advocacy for the poor and marginalized, his papacy was one of outreach, inclusivity, and bridge-building across faiths and ideologies.
His death comes less than a month after his release from a Rome hospital where he was treated for a severe case of double pneumonia. His condition had stirred concerns worldwide, but his Easter Sunday appearance had been seen as a hopeful sign.
The news of his passing triggered a wave of condolences from leaders around the world, transcending religious and national boundaries. Many hailed his legacy as a moral compass in turbulent times and a tireless advocate for peace, justice, and human dignity.
Global Tributes Pour In
Iran: In a significant gesture from a Muslim-majority nation, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei expressed condolences, saying, “I offer my condolences to all Christians around the world.” Tehran has maintained a long-standing diplomatic relationship with the Vatican, often engaging in interfaith dialogue.
Israel: President Isaac Herzog called the pope “a man of deep faith and boundless compassion,” praising his dedication to Jewish-Christian relations and interfaith understanding. “He rightly saw great importance in fostering strong ties with the Jewish world,” Herzog said.
United States: U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a recent Catholic convert, reflected on his final encounter with the pope during a private visit on Sunday. “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” Vance posted, calling the meeting a moving moment despite the pope’s visible frailty.
France: President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute from the Pacific, describing Pope Francis as a tireless defender of the vulnerable. “He was always on the side of the most fragile and fought for a more just world,” Macron said, extending condolences to Catholics globally.
Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledged the pope’s commitment to peace and social justice, calling his death a loss to the global conscience. “His commitment to the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy,” Sánchez wrote.
Italy: From Rome, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed sorrow, declaring, “A great man has left us.” Italy, home to the Vatican, has shared a unique and intimate relationship with the pontiff throughout his tenure.
Germany: Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz remembered Pope Francis for his humility and unwavering support for the downtrodden. “He will remain in our memories for his commitment to justice and reconciliation,” Merz said.
Ireland: Prime Minister Michael Martin reflected on Francis’s 2018 visit to Ireland, recalling his courageous acknowledgment of past Church abuses. “He stood with the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed,” Martin noted.
India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the pope as “a beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage,” recalling their past meetings with admiration. Modi emphasized Francis’s dedication to serving the poor and promoting inclusive development.
Ethiopia: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed conveyed his “deepest condolences,” describing the pope’s legacy as one of inspiration through “compassion, humility, and service to humanity.”
Egypt: President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called Pope Francis a “voice of peace, love, and compassion,” commending his efforts to build interfaith bridges and support just causes, notably the Palestinian people.
A Global Outpouring of Grief and Gratitude
Across Europe and beyond, tributes continued to pour in. In Paris, the bells of Notre-Dame Cathedral tolled 88 times, once for each year of the pope’s life. The cathedral hosted multiple Masses in his honor, drawing thousands in prayer and reflection.
Pope Francis’s nearly 12-year papacy was marked by profound shifts—both symbolic and structural—in the Catholic Church. From his reform efforts and climate advocacy to his outreach to the LGBTQ+ community and interreligious dialogue, he expanded the Church’s moral relevance in an increasingly divided world.
As millions mourn his passing, Pope Francis’s enduring message of mercy, humility, and hope will remain a guiding light for generations to come. The Vatican has yet to release details about funeral arrangements or the conclave to elect his successor.
May he rest in peace.