Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff known for his humility and advocacy for the poor, passed away unexpectedly during Easter celebrations, sending shockwaves through the Catholic world. He was 88.
The Pope had made a surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, blessing thousands of faithful and delighting crowds with a ride through the piazza in the popemobile. It was to be his final public appearance.
Just hours later, early Monday morning, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the Pope’s death from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, Francis’s residence.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” Ferrell said solemnly.
Church bells tolled across Rome in mourning.
Francis had been battling chronic lung disease for much of his life and was hospitalized in February for a respiratory crisis that turned into double pneumonia. Despite a 38-day stay — the longest of his 12-year papacy — he had insisted on returning to the Vatican in time for Easter, a feast he deeply cherished.
In what many now see as a poignant farewell, Francis met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance before addressing the faithful for the last time.
His death marks the end of an era defined by compassion, reform, and a bold voice on global issues — though not without controversy, especially among conservative circles uneasy with his critiques of capitalism and his focus on climate change.
Plans for the funeral and succession process are expected to be announced in the coming days.