POPE Francis, aged 88, is dead.
The Vatican announced his passing Monday morning while the global Christian community continued the 2025 Easter celebration.
The Vatican’s Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced his death in a statement: “Dear 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 whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
“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 Triune God.”
The statement said the pope died on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
Pope Francis, whose real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936.
He hailed from a humble background and was renowned for his simple lifestyle.
He had advanced degrees in chemistry, philosophy, and theology. Before joining the church, he briefly worked in the food industry. He was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1969.
Pope Francis was appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires before being elected as the 266th Pope in 2013 at age 76.
He was the first Pope outside Europe in 1300 years.
He advocated for social justice and tolerance on issues like women’s rights, abortion, and LGBTQ+ rights.
He was celebrated for his humility and efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy and corruption.
Pope Francis led the Catholic Church for 12 years after the historic resignation of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.
He spent a large part of 2025 in the hospital, treating an infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs.
Pope Francis was hospitalised with a complex respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia, which affects both lungs and can make breathing difficult.
He later recovered to the extent where he was able to appear in front of crowds in St Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday, where he met with US Vice President Vance.
Pope Francis became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was appointed to the College of Cardinals by Pope John Paul II in 2001.
His eventual election as pope was heralded later that year when he stepped in as the general rapporteur of the Synod of Bishops that year when Cardinal Edward Egan was called back to New York after the 9/11 attacks.
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