Pope Francis, the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced in a video statement on Monday.
During his 12-year papacy, he faced numerous health challenges while guiding the Church through a time of profound change and global unrest.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the Pope’s death.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God,” the Cardinal said.
On Easter Sunday, April 20, Pope Francis called for freedom of thought and greater tolerance in a message that resonated across St. Peter’s Square.
Speaking from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he offered Easter greetings to a crowd estimated at over 35,000.
Due to health reasons, he entrusted the reading of the traditional Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and the World”) benediction to an aide, which highlighted his continued physical challenges while maintaining a spiritual presence.
“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others,” the Pontiff’s speech read. The Pope also condemned “worrisome” anti-Semitism, and the “dramatic and deplorable” situation in Gaza.
