BREAKING NOW: In an event that has shaken the Roman Catholic Church and the Christian world, Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88.
See the tweet below!
His tenure as Pope sparked profound changes, stirring both admiration and controversy.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced his death, praising Francis’ commitment to Gospel teachings.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Farrell said.
He highlighted Pope Francis’ life of dedication to the Lord and the Church, cited by Vatican News.
Francis had a history of respiratory issues, stemming from a surgery in 1957 in Argentina.
Despite the challenges, he remained committed to his mission, often urging young people to embrace Church values.
His final months were marked by hospitalization due to pneumonia, from which he was discharged just weeks before his passing.
Pope Francis’ approach emphasized simplicity and the core tenets of faith.
In 2024, he approved a new edition of the liturgical book for papal funerals.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli noted, “The renewed rite seeks to emphasize even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”
World leaders are paying tribute to Pope Francis, including King Charles, with the union flag flown half-mast at royal residences in the UK.
Mourners have gathered in St Peter’s Square to honor his memory. The union flag is flown half-mast at royal residences in the UK.
Francis became the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church and used his position to promote inclusiveness and transparency.
His death opens the process of electing a new Pope, leaving many to wonder how his legacy will shape the future of the Church.
We're learning this morning that Pope Francis has died at age 88. https://t.co/5T2XStsMTD
— WNEM TV5 News (@WNEMTV5news) April 21, 2025
