Shola Akinyele
VATICAN CITY — The world is in mourning as Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. The death of the beloved pontiff was officially announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who delivered the solemn words at 9:45 a.m. from the same residence where the Pope drew his final breath.”Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. 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,” Cardinal Farrell declared. “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.”The timing of his passing—on Easter Monday, the day after the celebration of Christ’s resurrection—added a powerful symbolic weight to the moment. Just hours before his death, on Easter Sunday morning, Pope Francis received the Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, in what is now known to be his final official meeting.Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected pontiff in March 2013, becoming the first Jesuit Pope and the first from the Americas. Throughout his twelve-year pontificate, he became a global voice for unity, compassion, and justice. His commitment to building bridges across Christian denominations and other faiths was a hallmark of his leadership, as he urged the world to embrace dialogue, humility, and mercy.In his tireless mission to take the Word of God and the comfort of His love to the whole human family, Pope Francis visited 68 countries, reaching millions with his message of hope. Known for his humility and simplicity, he famously rejected the grand Apostolic Palace in favor of a modest room in Casa Santa Marta, where he chose to live among the people he served.On Monday evening at 8:00 p.m. (GMT +2), Cardinal Farrell will preside over the traditional rite of the ascertainment of death and the placement of Pope Francis’ body in the coffin. This solemn ceremony will take place in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta and will be attended by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, members of the late Pope’s family, and key Vatican officials including Dr. Andrea Arcangeli and Dr. Luigi Carbone, heads of the Vatican’s Health and Hygiene Directorate.In light of the Pope’s passing, the Vatican has also announced the temporary suspension of the canonization Mass for Blessed Carlo Acutis, which had been scheduled for Sunday, April 27, Divine Mercy Sunday.Pope Francis leaves behind a Church transformed by his vision, and a world stirred by his actions. His voice spoke for the voiceless, his heart beat for the poor, and his life modeled a Gospel lived out loud. Though his earthly journey has ended, the legacy he leaves—of love, humility, and fearless faith—will continue to inspire generations to come.
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