Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Monday, just a day after making a surprise appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, offering what would be his final public blessing.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the somber news was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in an official statement released through the Vatican’s Telegram channel.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” the statement read. “This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church.”
Francis’s passing follows a long and public battle with illness. Earlier this year, he was hospitalized twice with pneumonia and reportedly came close to death on both occasions. He spent 38 days in the hospital before being discharged on March 23.
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In a final act of spiritual resilience, the pontiff appeared on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday, visibly frail but smiling, waving to the thousands of faithful gathered in the square.
In his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) Easter blessing, he urged for peace, freedom of thought, and tolerance across the globe.
“Happy Easter,” he said, addressing a world still gripped by conflict and division. The moment, now remembered as his farewell to the world, was seen as a sign of hope and strength.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first from Latin America when he was elected in March 2013.
Known for his humility, compassion, and progressive stance on various issues, Francis left an indelible mark on the Church and its global flock.
Tributes from religious leaders, heads of state, and millions of Catholics are pouring in from around the world as the Church begins a period of mourning and reflection.