Pope Francis leaves for his heavenly abode
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Mondays often feel like a restart button, but today, the world wakes up to a profound sense of pause.
A global spiritual guide has departed, leaving behind not just grief, but a legacy of faith, humility, and radical compassion.
At 7:35 AM on Easter Monday, Pope Francis passed away in the Vatican.
The Eiffel Tower to go dark tonight in his memory
He was 88. The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, who oversees Church operations in the time between papacies.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” Cardinal Farrell said.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years.
His papacy became a symbol of mercy, environmental activism, and unwavering love for the poor and marginalized.
Despite battling numerous health issues in recent years, including respiratory complications and intestinal surgery, Francis remained an active spiritual force.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love,” Farrell added.
His final wish for peace in Gaza was a poignant reminder of his lifelong message of hope and human dignity.
World leaders, from Italy to India, have shared heartfelt tributes.
“He was a beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless,” said Ireland’s Foreign Minister Simon Harris.
“May this hope forever outlast him,” wrote French President Emmanuel Macron.
The Catholic Church now enters sede vacante - the time between popes, until a new leader is chosen.
R.I.P Pope.