Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 the Vatican has announced this morning
The Pope died at his his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta-
He died this morning at 7:35. The announcement was made by Cardinal Farrell, camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
Pope Francis surprised everyone by driving among cheering crowds on Via della Conciliazione on Easter Sunday
He wished worshippers in the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square a “Happy Easter”.
The Pope waved to cheering crowds from his wheelchair on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday. The private audience lasted a few minutes. They exchanged Easter greetings, and the pope gave Vance a Vatican tie, rosaries and a set of three large chocolate Easter eggs for his kids.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Francis was the first Latin American pontiff.
During his 12-year papacy, he preached compassion for the poor and oppressed, reformed the Vatican bureaucracy, and condemned war in different parts of the world.
In the statement released by the Vatican the Catholic Church said:
“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 Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy wrote
“Millions of people around the world are mourning the tragic news of Pope Francis’s passing. His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church.
He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory”
