Pope Francis drew his last breath at his residence, Casa Santa Marta. He was battling complications from double pneumonia, the Vatican confirmed in a video statement. The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican administrator, who said, “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.” He was 88.
The final message, “Christ is risen!”, a tweet posted a day before his passing away, summed up what he stood for.
Despite health complications, he publicly appeared on Easter Sunday, addressing 35,000 people in St. Peter’s Square. Reports claim that medical professionals cautioned him from doing so. His participation in religious observances had already been reduced. He missed the annual Good Friday procession for the third consecutive year.
The Pope also engaged with US Vice President JD Vance on Sunday, although he declined a formal meeting. Reports indicate that the decision was influenced by tensions stemming from the previous administration’s stringent immigration policies.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “PM Modi took to X and wrote: “I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog lauded the late Pontiff as a “man of deep faith, peace, and compassion.”
German chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz offered homage to his unwavering dedication to supporting society’s most vulnerable, highlighting themes of justice and reconciliation.
The European Union President Roberta Metsola referred to him as “The People’s Pope,” highlighting his strong bond with people all over the world, done with his contagious smile and dedication to social justice, life, and peace.
In the death of Pope Francis, the world has lost one of the greatest personalities of modern times, said Fr, Cedric Prakash SJ, a human rights and peace activist. “Pope Francis transcended boundaries and exclusiveness, divisions and discrimination of every kind. He was convinced that humans should build bridges and not walls, to reach out to others, particularly the lost, the last and the least,” he added.
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