The world is mourning a spiritual giant. Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and a global symbol of humility, justice, and compassion, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed on Easter Monday.
His Holiness passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. in his Vatican residence at Casa Santa Marta, following a period of fragile health marked by respiratory complications and multiple hospitalizations. Despite his illness, he made a final appearance on Easter Sunday, delivering a deeply moving Urbi et Orbi message—his last words to a world he never stopped praying for.
A FINAL EASTER MESSAGE — HOPE, EVEN AT THE END
Though visibly weakened, Pope Francis appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday to share a message that now feels like a spiritual farewell.
“Christ, my hope, has risen,” he proclaimed, urging believers to hold fast to love, peace, and light in a world gripped by darkness.
“Evil has not disappeared from history… but it no longer has the upper hand.”
His final plea was for Gaza—a call for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and urgent humanitarian access—echoing his lifelong defense of the poor, oppressed, and voiceless.
A LEGACY OF FIRSTS AND FEARLESS LOVE
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pontiff, and the first to adopt the name Francis, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron of the poor.
Since his election in 2013, following Pope Benedict XVI’s historic resignation, Francis sought to steer the Church away from grandeur and closer to the Gospel’s core values: mercy, service, humility, and inclusion.
He washed the feet of prisoners, embraced the disfigured, championed climate justice, and fearlessly challenged the powerful—from world leaders to his own clergy.
“RETURNED TO THE HOUSE OF THE FATHER”
In a solemn announcement, Cardinal Kevin Farrell addressed the faithful with heavy words:
“With deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
At 7.35 a.m. this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
“He taught us to live the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.”
As bells tolled across Vatican City and candles were lit around the world, believers and leaders alike reflected on the life of a man who made the papacy radically human again.
MORE THAN A POPE — A PROPHET OF OUR TIME
Whether urging action on climate change, opening doors to LGBTQ+ Catholics, or confronting systemic injustice within the Church, Pope Francis redefined what it meant to lead with moral courage and tenderness.
He was not without critics—but he remained resolute, often quoting Christ’s call: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Now, the world must say goodbye to a shepherd who walked with his flock, bore the burdens of the broken, and reminded us—again and again—that love is stronger than death.
As the Church prepares for the solemn rites of his funeral and the monumental task of electing his successor, one thing is certain:
Pope Francis may be gone, but his echo—of justice, mercy, and hope—will ring through the ages.
