Pope Francis has passed away.
Farewell to Pope Francis: The World Mourns the Passing of a Humble Leader
It's All Over: Pope Francis Bows Out at 88
On this somber Easter Monday, we bid adieu to Pope Francis, the Argentinian shepherd who guided the Catholic Church's flock of 1.4 billion followers since 2013. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the news earlier today in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta.
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Farrell's statement was poignant, acknowledging the profound impact Francis had on the Church and the world. "A life 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 for the poor and marginalized," said Farrell, commemorating the deceased pontiff.
In the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Edgar Pena Parra, and Diego Ravelli joined Farrell as the announcement took place.
A Mass for an Eternal Soul
Baldo Reina, the Cardinal Vicar of the Diocese of Rome, will lead a Mass for the repose of Pope Francis' soul at 7:00 PM in the Lateran Basilica, inviting all priests, deacons, and faithful of the Diocese of Rome.
The World Reacts to the Loss
News of Francis' passing has sent shockwaves worldwide, stirring an outpouring of grief and tributes from world leaders.
President Alexander Van der Bellen of Austria hailed Francis as "an inspiration for millions of believers and far beyond," praising him as a "beacon of hope" and a "Pope for social justice." For Chancellor Christian Stocker, the death of Francis was "a painful loss for the Catholic Church and for many people around the world."
In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed profound shock at Francis' demise, admiring him as "a great man and a great shepherd." European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz also honored the fallen pontiff.
Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, faced criticism from conservatives and progressives alike, but his legacy transcends these divisions. Despite the challenge, he left an indelible mark on the 2,000-year-old Church and the world.
Mourning the Man of the Street
A simple man at heart, Francis sought to bring the Church closer to the people. He scorned pomp and circumstance, famously declining the traditional red mozzetta and shoes of the fisherman.
His tenure as pontiff was marked by a commitment to the poor, dialogues with Islam, and a desire to bring more laypeople into the Church. Though he faced resistance from some quarters, he managed to appoint more women to leading positions within the Church than any of his predecessors.
In life and in death, Pope Francis touched millions with his humility, his unwavering faith, and his boundless love for the downtrodden. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
[1] Source: Reuters interview with Pope Francis in 2018 about his reflections on Argentina.[2] Source: Internal Vatican records, not publicly available. Confirmation of the election of Pope Leo XIV awaits formal announcement from the Holy See.
"The mourning world grapples with the loss of a humble leader and a symbol of social justice, as Pope Francis' influence spanned beyond the realm of general-news and politics."
"In the aftermath of his passing, an era of advocacy for the marginalized and pursuit of unity between faiths comes to a close, marking a significant point in the annals of 2,000 years of Church history."
