On Monday, the Vatican reported the death of Pope Francis who is the first Latin American head of the Roman Catholic Church. He was 88 and had recently struggled with a severe double pneumonia. The Pope had been greeting crowds at St. Peter’s Square, Easter Sunday, a day prior to the shocking news of his sudden death.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell reported the sad news on the Vatican’s official television channel by saying “Today at 7:35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Pope Francis has returned to the house of the Father.” Pope Francis who has been recently hospitalized visited public and addressed a message for Easter in which he called for an end to war in Gaza.
Over his 12 years as pope, Pope Francis became a beloved figure to many worldwide. He was known for his dedication to help the needy, widening interfaith harmony and advocacy for peace and justice. He often called out war, climate change and inequality and aligned himself with marginalized communities. His humility, compassion and commitment to world peace earned him deep respect beyond the walls of the Catholic Church.
When he was elected in 2013, Pope Francis shocked many by refusing accommodation in royal papal apartments. He opted instead to remain in a modest home by saying it was better for his mental health.
Leaders around the world have paid their respect to the Pope. In Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mourned his death. Both lauded his work in advancing interfaith dialogue, peace and human rights. They described him as a powerful voice for justice and an icon of humanity.
Other global leaders also had expressed sorrow at his demise. Spain observed three days of mourning and France, Germany, Ireland and the United States paid him tributes.
Pope Francis had left lasting impressions with his global travels especially in countries like Ireland where he had addressed an array of issues including poverty and historical injustices.
His body will rest in a coffin at the Saint Martha residence in the Vatican with a ceremony planned for Monday evening. The Vatican also said it was postponing other upcoming events including the canonization of Carlo Acutis.
