Italy – The Vatican official websites have confirmed that Pope Francis has passed away this morning on Easter Monday after a long battle with sickness at an age of 88 .
According to the Vatican, pope Francis died at his residence in Casa Santa Marta following complications of double pneumonia.
At 9:45 AM on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, spoke these words at the Casa Santa Marta:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, the Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025 posted.
Who is pope Francis?
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina capital Buenos Aires In 1936, he became the 266th pope of the catholic church in March 2013. He was the first Jesuit, the first pope from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over a millennium.
His papacy was marked by humility and a focus on social justice, including advocacy for the poor and marginalized. He has severally advocated for the end of wars that make the innocent suffer especially the war in Ukraine and the war in the Gaza strip.
He has made several visits across the world and visited Kenya and in Uganda in 2015. He has visited Asia, South Sudan and DR Congo a country ravaged by endless wars especially in the Eastern Part in recent years but never he visited his country of birth Argentina while serving as Pope
He was early this year hospitalized and spent the better part of February and March this year in hospital. He was discharged but later hospitalized a few days ago.
His legacy includes efforts to reform the Catholic Church, promote interfaith dialogue and address global issues such as climate change and economic inequality. His influence is expected to shape the Church’s future, as he appointed nearly 80% of the cardinals eligible to elect the next pope.
