Pope Francis died early Monday morning at age 88, the Catholic Church announced.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber said, according to “Vatican News.” “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 People Francis to the infinite merciful love of the one and triune God.”
In a statement on Instagram, Franklin Graham commented on the passing, saying, “I had the opportunity to meet and talk with him last year when I went to Naples to preach. Pray for the Catholic Church as they begin the process of selecting another pope.”
Despite failing health, the people greeted thousands in St. Peter’s Square after Easter Mass in his open-air popemobile. He sat in a raised chair in the vehicle as thousands cheered “viva il papa.” He stopped at several places along the square, much to the delight of the crowd.
Ground-breaking Pope
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires to Italian immigrant parents, Francis rose through the ranks as a Jesuit priest in his home country of Argentina. Elected in March 2013, the Catholic Church lists Francis as the 266th pope. He was first pope from the Americas and the first born outside of Europe in more than a millennia. During his papacy, he was praised and criticized for commenting on political issues, from immigration to LGBTQ issues.
People Francis made more than 45 international trips, including the first by any pope to Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Myanmar, North Macedonia, Bahrain and Mongolia. The onetime archbishop of Buenos Aires never returned to Argentina, where he had a sometimes rocky relationships with government leaders.
Vice President J.D. Vance, a Catholic convert who met with the people over the weekend, posted a tribute on X. “I just learned of the passing of People Francis,” he said. “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill.”
Church doctrine calls for the pope to be buried four to six days after his death, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Funeral rites are celebrated for nine days after his death. Usually within 15 to 20 days after the papacy is vacated, cardinal electors meet in the Sistine Chapel and begin the strictly secretive voting process. Throughout the conclave, cardinals are under an oath of silence and forbidden contact with the outside world.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
