🕊 Vatican City, April 21, 2025– The Vatican announced the disappearance of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The news, delivered by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Roman Holy Church, triggered a global explosion of the fault among the 1.4 billion in the world and beyond. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, in Argentina, died at 7:35 local time in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, just one day after making his last public appearance on Easter Sunday in St. Peter’s Square.
Cardinal Farrell, in a gloomy declaration of the Santa Marta house, said: “Cantattors and sisters, with a deep pain, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. All his life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and his Church. He taught us to live the values ​​of the Gospel with loyalty, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poor and more marginalized”. ” His example of a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, praising the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of one and trini of God “. The announcement was a shock for many, despite the well -documented struggles for the Pope’s health in recent years, including a 38 -day hospitalization for the double pneumonia at the beginning of this year.
Pope Francis, who assumed the papacy in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, was known for his progressive reforms and humble behavior. His 12 -year -old pontificate was marked by a focus on the marginalization, supporting the poor, migrants and the victims of climate change. He made history as the first Jesuit pope and the first of the southern hemisphere, often underlining a “poor church for the poor”. However, his liberal positions, including blessings for couples and criticisms of the same sex, have aroused criticism from conservative factions within the church, creating tensions that have defined much of his mandate.
The Pope’s health had been a concern for years, deriving from 20 -year pulmonary surgery that left him vulnerable to respiratory issues. In February 2025, he was hospitalized at the Gemelli hospital in Rome with a serious respiratory crisis that developed in double pneumonia, requesting weeks of intensive care. Despite his fragile conditions, Francis made a determined effort to participate in the events of Easter Sunday, greeting thousands of worshipers from the balcony of the Basilica of San Pietro and briefly meeting with the Vice -President of the United States JD Vance. His last public words have requested peace in conflict areas such as Gaza and Ukraine, reflecting his commitment for life for global harmony.
The world leaders expressed their condolences, with the United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer describing Francis as a “pope for the poor, oppressed and forgotten” and French president Emmanuel Macron which detects his defense for the “most fragile”. The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called him “a great man and pastor”, while the vice -president of the United States JD Vance shared: “My heart goes to millions of Christians who loved him”. The crowds gathered in the square of San Pietro, with many visibly emotional while crying the loss of the “Pope of people”.
Following the tradition of the Vatican, the body of Pope Francis will be laid in a coffin in the chapel of the Santa Marta house and a nine -day mourning period will begin. Unlike most popes, buried in the Basilica of San Pietro, Francis had requested a simpler funeral and burial in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. The College of Cardinals will soon meet for a conclave to elect his successor, a process that should start within 15-20 days. While the world cries, Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of compassion, reform and an unwavering dedication to the vulnerable, to affect his name forever in the annals of Catholic history.
