The 266th head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, originally Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has passed on today, Easter Monday, 2025.
Pope Francis, who was 88 years of age before his demise, has been battling severe health conditions since 2024.
His sudden death has put the church in mourning and confusion, although due to his very ill health, it is quite understandable.
According to sources, including the BBC, the Pope had participated in the Easter Sunday Mass and had spoken to the congregants; his demise the next day, Easter Monday, came as a shock.
An official statement from the Vatican confirmed the news, saying that the Pope “died on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.”
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The Pope died at exactly 7:35 AM, according to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo.
Since the announcement of his demise, a lot of people have visited the Vatican to pay their last respects to the Pope.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35am, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Farrell said.
“His entire life was dedicated to serving the Lord and 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.
“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.”
Notable individuals on hearing the news of his demise have sent their condolences, including the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, who claims to have had several moments with the Pope. The president of Ukraine, Zelensky, also sent his condolences.
President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Kenyan President William Ruto, and many other leaders have sent messages of tribute, as many more tributes flood the internet, praising the Pope for his legacy.
We will continue to update you on his funeral arrangements.
