A nine-day mourning period will now begin, after which the College of Cardinals will gather in conclave to elect the next Pontiff.
Digital Desk: The 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, died peacefully in his residence at Casa Santa Marta today, on 21st April, 2025, on Easter Monday at the age of 88 years. The Vatican confirmed that the Holy Father died peacefully at 7:35 AM at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City.
The Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell made the official declaration at 9:45 AM by announcing:-
"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 His Church… We commend his soul to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."
Pope had been recently discharged from Gemelli Hospital in Rome and had been sent home after treating double pneumonia, which developed from an infection. Despite his health challenges, he appeared at St. Peter’s Basilica balcony to give the annual Urbi et Orbi Easter message, which asked for world peace along with global disarmament and the release of prisoners.
The position of Pope brought him to both become the first Jesuit to hold this office and the first non-European pontiff. Pope Francis received his ordination as a priest in 1969, while Jorge Mario Bergoglio grew up as a young person in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The office of Pope selected him to become the leader of the Catholic Church on 13th March 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI stepped down, while he chose Francis as his religious name in tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi.
Through his X (formerly Twitter) account, the Pope released this Easter Sunday declaration: “Christ is risen!” These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life”.
The College of Cardinals will follow a nine-day mourning period to decide the next Pontiff through conclave proceedings.
People remember Pope Francis for being humble through his compassionate service and his worldwide dedication to supporting poor people.
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