ROME, Apr 21, Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman
Catholic Church, died Monday at the age of 88, said the Vatican in a
statement.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on Dec. 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Francis
was head of the Roman Catholic Church since 2013.
His death came weeks after returning home from a 38-day stay in
intensive care, and followed an intense Holy Week schedule that included
public appearances.
After a period of mourning, the Vatican will turn toward preparations
for a gathering of the College of Cardinals to select Francis’
successor.
The pope’s death was announced “with deep sorrow” by Cardinal Kevin
Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who said Francis died at 7:35 a.m local
time (1.35 a.m. ET). Until a new pope is chosen, Farrell acts as the
head of the Vatican.
At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber,
announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these
words: “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. 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.”
Despite his poor health, Francis was seen a number of times in public at
the Vatican during Holy Week, culminating in an Easter Sunday appearance
where he delighted crowds at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
According to CNN report, Francis suffered a severe health crisis earlier
this year and was hospitalized for five weeks with double pneumonia. He
was discharged last month and was convalescing at his residence at Casa
Santa Marta at the Vatican. The Vatican said as recently as last week
that he was improving.
The pope continued to hold engagements up to Easter Sunday, when he met
briefly with US Vice President JD Vance.
Francis gave the traditional Easter blessing from the balcony of St.
Peter’s, although an aide read out the Urbi et Orbi on his behalf.
Vance said on X on Monday that he was happy to have seen the pope
“though he was obviously very ill.” “My heart goes out to the millions
of Christians all over the world who loved him,” Vance said.
The pope’s tireless advocacy for migrants saw him sharply criticize US
President Donald Trump’s immigration deportation policies in the months
before his death.
Francis, whose pontificate was a counterweight to the rise of
nationalist populism, often found himself under fire from powerful
conservative Catholic forces in the US.
Condolences and tributes started to pour in shortly after the
announcement was made.
Pope Francis waves from the popemobile car as he makes a tour of St.
Peter’s Square following the Easter Sunday mass on April 9, 2023.
In April 2024, the late Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the
liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide the funeral
Mass which has yet to be announced.
The second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis introduces
several new elements, including how the Pope’s mortal remains are to be
handled after death.
According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies,
the late Pope Francis had requested that the funeral rites be simplified
and focused on expressing the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of
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.”
The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the pope “a great man
and a great pastor,” and said she “had the privilege of enjoying his
friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in
moments of trial and suffering.”
Meloni said the pope “asked the world, once again, for the courage to
change direction, to follow a path that ‘does not destroy, but
cultivates, repairs, protects,’” adding that she will “walk in this
direction.”
Javier Milei, the President of Francis’s home country Argentina, said
that “having been able to know him in his kindness and wisdom was a true
honor for me.”
Milei has clashed with the pope in the past over his country’s economic
policies. On Monday, he said their differences “seem minor today.”
Britain’s King Charles said the pope 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.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X the pope
“inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility
and love so pure for the less fortunate.”