Pope Francis death: Pope Francis dies aged 88
“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, announced Vatican administrator, Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
Barely a day before news of his death shocked the world, Pope Francis captured the essence of life and living in his final tweet, which read: “Christ is risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.”
The first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church did not attend the annual Good Friday procession for the third year in a row. The Pope made a brief appearance at a private meeting with US’s Vice President JD Vance on Sunday morning.
Even as the doctors advised rest to Pope Francis, the pontiff made a surprise public appearance on Easter Sunday – his first since he was admitted for double pneumonia. He greeted the crowd of 35,000 in St. Peter’s Square where he blessed and waved at the pilgrims from his popemobile. The pontiff was one of the oldest popes in the church’s history.
Soon after news of his death spread, leaders across the world expressed their condolences. “Francis will be remembered for his tireless commitment to the weakest members of society, to justice and reconciliation,” said German chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog remembered Pope Francis as a “man of deep faith, peace, and compassion.”
Calling Francis ‘The People’s Pope,’ European Union President Roberta Metsola took to X and wrote: “Europe mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe. ‘The People’s Pope’ will be remembered for his love for life, hope for peace, compassion for equality & social justice. May he rest in peace.”
