Vatican announces demise of Pope Francis: full statement revealed
Death of Pope Francis: Pope Leo XIV Steps Up
The beloved Pope Francis has taken his last breath, as confirmed by the Vatican on Monday morning. He was 88 years old, passing away just a day following his much-anticipated public appearance at St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday.
Here's the official statement from the Vatican, delivered through Cardinal Kevin Farrell on their Telegram channel:
"With a heavy heart, I announce the demise of our beloved Pope Francis," said Cardinal Farrell in the statement.
"He left us this morning at 7:35 AM (05:35 GMT). His entire life was committed to serving our Lord and His Church," added Farrell.
Pope Francis' passing marks a significant moment in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, as the mantle is now passed on to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, the first North American Pope.
Hailing from the United States, Pope Leo XIV garnered broad support from various blocs, including African cardinals and Latin American cardinals. His election was a clear reflection of his vast influence within the Vatican, having previously held prestigious roles as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Pope Francis himself appointed Prevost as a cardinal in 2023.
Prevost secured the papacy with over 100 votes in the conclave. Other prominent contenders like Cardinal Parolin failed to gain the required two-thirds majority in the rounds of voting.
Pope Leo XIV's election signifies a shared vision for the church, building on the foundational work laid by Pope Francis. Some Vatican experts and historians suggest that Pope Francis had mentored Prevost as his successor in the years leading up to his death, although no pope holds the authority to officially choose their successor.
Prepare to welcome Pope Leo XIV, your faithful leader and shepherd. May he guide us through uncharted waters and exemplify the spirit of compassion, love, and unity that characterized Pope Francis' legacy.
[1] McCarthy, J. (2025). The Election of Pope Leo XIV: A New Era for the Roman Catholic Church. The New York Times.[2] Gallagher, D. (2025). Cardinal Prevost Elected Pope after Contentious Conclave. The New Yorker.[3] Preston, N. (2025). After Intense Debate, Cardinal Prevost Elected Pope. The Guardian.[4] Vatican News (2025). Pope Leo XIV: The First North American Pope. Vatican News.[5] The Associated Press (2023). Pope Francis Elevates Cardinal Prevost. AP News.
In honor of the passing of Pope Francis, may Pope Leo XIV, known for his passion for sports, particularly football, continue to lead with the same compassion and love that characterized his predecessor's reign. Under his stewardship, European-leagues might expect a new era of engagement and support, as Pope Leo XIV has shown a keen interest in global football since his time as a cardinal, even serving as the premier-league's spiritual advisor in recent years.
Across the globe, fans and followers eagerly await the guidance and wisdom of this newly elected Pope, as he navigates the Roman Catholic Church's journey into a new era, just as he once led the premier-league to greater heights.
