Pope Francis Dies On Easter Monday At The Age of 88
Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church has died at the age of 88, says Vatican in a video.
The statement:
“At 7:35 [05:35 GMT] 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,” Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced.
The College of Cardinals, comprised of senior Catholic clergy, will elect the next pope.
Pope’s body could be moved to St Peter’s on Wednesday.
We have some comments from Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni:
In a statement, he said Pope Francis’s body could be moved to St Peter’s Basilica as early as Wednesday for the faithful to pay their respects.
A group of cardinals meeting tomorrow is expected to take a formal decision on the issue, he added.
Global leaders express grief for the passing of the Argentinian pontiff
US President Donald Trump has reacted to Pope Francis’s death with a message on social media saying, “Rest in peace, Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him.”
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said Pope Francis was “an extraordinary Pope who leaves a unique legacy of humanism, empathy, compassion and closeness to people”, adding that following his teachings and example would be the best way to honour his memory.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te sent his condolences on behalf of the island’s people. “We will continue to draw inspiration from his lifelong commitment to peace, global solidarity, and caring for those in need,” he wrote.
Taiwan will send envoys of the “appropriate level” to Pope Francis’s funeral, given the deep friendship between the island and the Vatican, the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the pope “knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity”, adding that the pontiff “prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians”.
“We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory!” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he hoped “the legacy of understanding and love that Pope Francis leaves behind find the best continuation”.
Kenya’s President William Ruto said Pope Francis “exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and the vulnerable”.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said people in Lebanon “feel the loss of a dear friend and a strong supporter”.
“The late Pope always carried Lebanon in his heart and prayers, and he always called on the world to support Lebanon in its ordeal. We will never forget his repeated calls to protect Lebanon and preserve its identity and diversity,” Aoun wrote on X.
Cause of the Pope’s death
Pope Francis suffered severe complications in recent weeks after a bout of double pneumonia for which he spent five weeks in hospital.
Related: Pope Francis Calls For Global Dialogue To Prevent World War
He was admitted to hospital in Rome on February 14 for bronchitis, which he had been diagnosed with eight days prior, but he continued to preside over general audiences and an outdoor mass.
He was released on March 23, with expectations that he would resume his duties gradually.