Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed on Monday morning.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo of the Vatican, announced: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”
Farrell praised the late pontiff’s dedication to Gospel values, especially his compassion for the poor and marginalized, and added, “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 God.”
The Pope had been hospitalized on Friday, February 14, for bronchitis treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic. Despite his illness, he had continued to hold daily audiences and even presided over an outdoor Mass on Sunday, February 9.
On Easter Sunday, Francis made a brief public appearance in St. Peter’s Square, offering blessings to the crowd and participating in a surprise popemobile tour. However, he delegated the Easter Mass to Cardinal Angelo Comastri due to breathing difficulties.
Pope Francis had a history of lung problems, having undergone surgery to remove part of one lung at the age of 21. In recent years, he relied on a wheelchair, walker, or cane to move around and was particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections.
His papacy was marked by efforts to modernize the Church, promote social justice, and emphasize mercy and inclusivity.
Source: The Guardian (April 21,)